Jose Mourinho is no longer the darling of Stamford Bridge after taking over at Manchester United, but he has left behind a legacy that will endure

Mourinho is the most successful manager in the history of the Blues, with three Premier League titles to his name. However, the Portuguese manager left on bitter terms as he saw his Chelsea side end up realistically battling relegation at one point last season.

Chelsea are looking like a whole new machine under new Italian manager Antonio Conte though. However, former Leeds United midfielder and current Sky Sports analyst Chris Kamara believes that Conte is only building on the foundation left behind by Mourinho.

“Some managers leave a legacy that new managers can come in and enhance on – and that’s what’s happened at Chelsea [with Mourinho],” said Kamara, according to the Daily Star.

“The basis of the team was there but he’s come in and revived the players that under-performed last season.

“He’s brought in one or two new changes – the system is certainly a lot different now – and he’s found the way he wants to play after so many games.”

Chelsea's Italian head coach Antonio Conte gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 23, 2016. (Photo by Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)
Chelsea’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte gestures from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 23, 2016. (Photo courtesy Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images)

It is difficult to agree with Kamara’s assessment, given the fact that Chelsea finished last season in tenth position. The top of the table was also more of a result of Guus Hiddink’s timely arrival, rather than Mourinho’s contribution to the team.

There’s no doubt that Antonio Conte had taken over a struggling team, which was evident during the first couple of months of the new season where they were dismantled by Liverpool and Arsenal. It was only then that the Italian brought out his famed three-man defensive formation, and the Blues haven’t looked back since.

In fact Conte has used many players who wouldn’t have even been considered by Mourinho. One of the prime examples is Victor Moses, who is shining in his role as right wing-back. The Italian has also relied on summer transfers like N’Golo Kante, David Luiz and Marcos Alonso, who are all crucial first team players.

There is no doubt that Mourinho has achieved some mighty feats with Chelsea. However the Blues of last season were far different from his previous all conquering sides. The fact remains that Antonio Conte has imprinted his own personal style to the current Chelsea team.

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