Antonio Conte dropped Gary Cahill in Barcelona clash to alert teammates no one is untouchable

When Antonio Conte reacted to the Watford defeat a fortnight ago, admitting he had made mistakes in his selection for the game, some few star feathers were ruffled.

Those who had played a huge part in Chelsea’s two defeats in the Premier League to Bournemouth and Watford had been alerted. The 3-0 home loss to the Cherries on the cold Monday night, was probably seen as one odd day in the office, but when the following game also ended in a 4-1 defeat, the ruthlessness in Conte was awaken.

The Italian quickly admitted he had made errors in choosing certain players for the game, and he was right.

Since making sure Gary Cahill and Tiemoue Bakayoko were out of Chelsea’s starting 11, his side have gone three games unbeaten, including the all important 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 game.

Bakayoko missed the West Brom game through suspension, and although he has been missing through injury afterwards, it’s clear Conte would have sat him on the bench in the last three games.

Cahill’s position has been taken up by Antonio Rudiger, and the former AS Roma defender has hardly put a foot wrong, although not the perfect center back, Conte would be seeking at this point.

It’s hard to see Cahill becoming a regular again, unless injury strikes into one of the three starters at the moment and for Bakayoko, Fabregas and Drinkwater are just priming themselves up to permanently take a hold of the position alongside the unique N’Golo Kante.

Time has caught up with two of Chelsea’s failing stars and despite Conte taking a while to figure out and take a decision on these players, it’s certainly fair to say Chelsea will keep getting better with Cahill and Bakayoko out of their side, for now.

Chelsea News