Why Antonio Conte Cannot Play His Favoured 3-5-2 Favoured Formation In Chelsea.

By Ewah Chika.

With constant debates on the formation that current Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will utilise in Chelsea, it is interesting to know that this argument is uncalled for and unnecessary.

Conte is known for his high pressing energy game plan based on a 3-5-2 formation with wing backs performing both attacking and defensive duties. Conte was so successful with the formation that he won three successive Seria A titles with Juventus using the 3-5-2 formation, as if that wasn't enough
the 45-year-old utilised the same formation with the Italian national team during his time in charge as the Italian national team though lacking big names and talent cruised through to the quarter-final of the Euro's beating the likes of Sweden, Belgium and Spain before bowing out on penalties to Germany.

"Usually, when I arrive in a new team, I search to find the right position for the players.

"When I was in Italy I liked to say that the coach is like a tailor. You must build the best dress for a team, and you have to respect their characteristics and talents. Then you decide . In the past I started my seasons with one idea and then changed it because I saw this system was not good.

"Three at the back? Four at the back? It's not important . What's important is the right spirit of the team and to give good organisation. I think I can improve my players a lot," Conte said in his first Chelsea press conference.

What this entails is that it appears Conte has realised that though he has deep knowledge in the 3-5-2 formation , his current West London side currently do not possess the type of defenders  that will be suited to a three man defence as the defence boasts of slow and aged defenders with the likes of Branislav Ivanovic , Gary Cahill and John Terry lacking yards of pace. This leaves Kurt Zouma as the only quick centre-back. Playing a three man defence requires having energised and quick centre backs and this is something that Chelsea currently lack. Even with a four man defence last season the likes of Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill were thoroughly turned and exposed by fast wingers and attackers as the Blues conceded goals at an alarming rate. While it could be argued that the signing of Napoli's Senegalese Koulibaly by Chelsea this season will help Conte play his three man defence , it is clear that though it is possible to play fast paced Zouma and Koulibaly with a slow Terry or Cahill, this will not be the case throughout the season as injury and fatigue will set in on the fast duo.


Conte is not just limited in the centre-back position as Chelsea also lack a pure left wing back as the likes of Kennedy and Baba Rahman lack the defensive discipline to function properly both in attack and defence. Rahman still appears raw, makes rash and careless challenges and is can switch off consistently while Kennedy is more of a winger or make shift left back as he lacks the technical talent to function in defence full time. This might not be the case in the right side of the field as the likes of Willian and Pedro can function as wing backs at the same time not forgetting the tireless Ceaser Azpilicueta.

Also playing a three man defence leaves a big question on the position to utilise star man Eden Hazard who plays better on the left wing with a left back supporting him. This formation will also stifle creative players like Oscar and Fabregas as the it means only one of them will partner the lone defensive midfielder. Therefore, playing  a three man defence is akin to mismanaging the multi-talented Chelsea squad which is contrary to Conte's statement.

Finally though the formation paid fruits for Conte in Italy, it should be noted that the Seria A is more tactical than the Premier League as  the Premier League is more physical, intense and fast, with pace the main requirement for attackers who roast slow defenders on their day. This formation was used as recent as 2014 by then Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal before quickly abandoning it after conceding unnecessary goals .

Conte clearly has to leap before jumping as he might not be given the required time needed to adapt by Chelsea as the West London club are known for their impatience.