New plan? Antonio Conte is working on new systems (Getty)

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte may ditch his incredibly successful 3-4-3 formation during the 2017/18 season, Marcos Alonso has hinted.

The Italian tactician moved to three at the back to great success last term, with the switch from a traditional back four coinciding with an upturn in results that took Chelsea to the Premier League title.

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Such was its success numerous other managers followed suit – with Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and Arsene Wenger using three at the back with Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal respectively.

However, Chelsea could be in line for a new approach according to Alonso, who revealed Conte is trying alternative options.




‘We are working on new things this year to improve as a team. [It was] not only Chelsea [that used this system]. It’s an old Italian system that worked very well last year,’ said the Spanish defender.

Marcos Alonso in pre-season action (Getty)

He went on: ‘It’s normal that other teams are trying to play like this, depending on the players you have. It’s good to play in different ways.

‘Football forgets everything very quick. It’s already time to think about the next season and do better than last year.’

Chelsea's pre-season fixtures Chelsea 3-0 Arsenal

Chelsea 2-3 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-2 Inter Milan

Aug 6 – Arsenal (Wembley – Community Shield)

Looking to the season ahead, Alonso is aware of the threat Chelsea’s rivals could pose having improved their squads over the summer. However he insists the Blues will be able to meet the challenge.

‘It’s been a crazy summer,’ said Alonso. ‘Teams are spending big money, compared to other years. It’s getting more and more expensive with time. If they have the money they can do whatever they want.

‘We need to be ready to play against every team.

‘We are Chelsea. We will have to fight for every competition. The squad will be more or less the same as last season with some very good new players who will help. We are ready to take anyone.’

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