The Blues managed to win just 12 matches throughout the season as they completed the worst ever title defense in Premier League history.

Jose Mourinho was sacked midway through the season in December over a ‘palpable discord’ with the players. At the time Jose was let go, the damage had already been done. Chelsea were just a point above the relegation zone having won just 4 matches and lost 9 from the 16 they had played till then. The defending champions weren’t fighting for the title anymore, they were battling for survival.

After the Mourinho saga came to an end, the Hiddink tenure began at the Bridge. He steadied the Blue ship into safer shores with some fighting draws and a couple of wins here and there. The chaos under Mourinho gave way to the calmness under Guus Hiddink – whose approach was received well by the players. The Blues finished their woeful season with a ray of hope as Hiddink confirmed that he’d not continue as the manager and that Italian Antonio Conte would take over the reins from him after the conclusion of Euro 2016.

With Conte’s arrival in the summer, it is sure that the Italian will bring solidarity to the Blues’ defence. A strict disciplinarian and a tactical mastermind, legendary Italian footballer Andrea Pirlo had described Conte as the best he’s worked with.

However, rebuilding Chelsea will not be easy. In the time of FFP and Chelsea’s not-so-outrageous transfer policy, he would have to be smart in his signings. With John Terry set to play a bit-part role in the team and Ivanovic’s drastic decline in form, it remains to be seen who is handed the captain’s armband by Conte. Handling Diego Costa and his temper is also a major issue, which the Italian would have to address.

Added to that is the pressure which would come from Roman Abrahamovic to deliver trophies instantly. It seems quite an uphill task for Conte at Stamford Bridge, a challenge not many would dare to take.

Fixture Summary

First Match: The Blues will play their first league match under Antonio Conte against West Ham United on 13 August 2016.

Last Match: Chelsea will end their campaign against Sunderland at home on 21 May, 2017.

Pressure test: Chelsea will have a tough run of games only a month into the league and it will be seen how Conte copes up with the busy English schedule. They’ll face Liverpool, Arsenal, Hull City, Leicester City and Manchester United in a run of five games from 17th September to 22nd October, four of which promises to be mouth-watering fixtures.

Must watch matches:

The match against Manchester United on 22 October 2016 at Stamford Bridge will see The Special One return to his former club as the Manchester United manager. Though United have been one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals over the years, Mourinho is expected to receive a warm welcome at the Bridge.

Chelsea’s away trip to Etihad Stadium on 03 December 2016 will see Conte squaring up against Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Both are impeccable tacticians and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this battle.

Chelsea also have a tricky run-in at the end of the season as they face Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland. All three teams could possibly be in the relegation battle and will be fighting with all their might.

The upcoming season will be one of rebuilding for Chelsea. A new manager with a new philosophy will bring in changes in the squad and their playing style. It remains to be seen how the Chelsea stars will adapt to it. Though one can safely assume that Conte too, won’t last long if he fails to deliver.

Here is the complete schedule of Chelsea’s matches in the 2016/17 season:

(Schedule subject to change)

For full list of Chelsea’s 2016/17 fixtures in PDF click here.

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