Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte sat down for an extensive interview with the official Chelsea website and, as usual, he had some interesting things to say. The interview is spread out over two parts and involves topics like Chelsea’s trendsetting formation, life in London and much more.
A timely topic is that of John Terry and his captaincy at the club. The legend has led by example for years, but as he ages, his time on the pitch reduces. There is also the fact that he only has around seven months of contract left, and at 35 years of age, probably won't be offered another extension.
Terry featured as a substitute in the last match versus Everton having recently returned to full fitness, but it seems unlikely that he will get any more significant playing time. Gary Cahill, David Luiz and César Azpilicueta have all been excellent and dislodging them from the starting lineup would be a tough task at the moment.
That’s not to say JT can’t still be captain:
"The captain must always be an example for his team-mates. If he plays or if he doesn’t play, he must always stay in the middle in the changing room as an example."
"He must help the coach, he must help the club and above all when the situation is not easy.
"It is important the coach and the club and also the players see the captain as the person that can help in this situation."
-Antonio Conte; source: Chelsea FC
John Terry certainly matches that standards and will continue to contribute greatly as a leader until his sorrowful goodbye.
Who might his replacement be? Vice-captain Branislav Ivanović (and Nigeria captain Mikel John Obi) are in a similar predicament and will probably both leave the club at the end of the season. Gary Cahill currently has the responsibility of the armband on matchdays, while leaders like David Luiz and Eden Hazard are setting good examples on the pitch. Would they be next in line?
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51819903/GettyImages-97511107.0.jpg)