Chelsea fans have almost universally shifted towards the agreement, or at least the acceptance, that Antonio Conte will leave the club this summer.
What they aren’t so certain about is whether he should take the 343 system with him.
Apart from a flirtation with the two striker variant, it’s been the dominant setup during Conte’s spell. But many fans want to see the team return to a 4 defender formation.
It’s still hard to separate whether the club’s issues this season have stemmed from the morale in the side or the formation they’re playing in. But there are advantages to returning to a four defender setup.
Cesar Azpilicueta could return to right back, to reduce the need to buy another player in that position. Given our strength at centre back, that could be a smart redistribution of players.
Losing a defender would mean an extra man in midfield or attack, but would cancel out Marcos Alonso’s best features on the left. It’s not clear how well he’d play as a conventional left full back.
Whatever happens, it’s certainly going to be an interesting summer.
