Accompanying Richard Jolly’s comment piece on the super-coaches all operating in the Premier League, here he looks at the challenges each of them face this season.
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ANTONIO CONTE
Besides the challenge of adapting to the English game and the English language, Conte has to assess why Chelsea underachieved so grievously last season and how to address it. As a motivator whose teams tend to be formidably fit, the Italian should be well equipped to galvanise an underachieving group again, but certain individuals present particular tests: how does he get Eden Hazard playing the way he did in 2014/15? Does he select Cesc Fabregas and if so, where? Should John Terry be phased out? And can he get Diego Costa concentrating on scoring goals, rather than waging warfare?
PEP GUARDIOLA
Guardiola has made radical decisions at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich. At Manchester City, he must determine how bold he will be. How quickly does he try to change things? How many players does he try to convert to a new position early in his reign? While he will obviously try to implement his trademark passing game, another priority should be improving the defending. Like any other new manager, he also has to confront the issue of the players he inherited. City have an ageing squad, some unaccustomed to playing at the intensity Guardiola demands. The often laid-back Yaya Toure and the injury-prone captain Vincent Kompany present two issues.
JURGEN KLOPP
Klopp’s critics are very much in a minority but they argue he escaped scrutiny last season for taking Liverpool to eighth place with a points-per-game record that was barely better than Brendan Rodgers’ return when he was sacked. There were mitigating factors but, after a first pre-season with his charges, after being able to sign his players and without the workload of European football, the German now has the burden of expectation. His side produced some great performances last season, but one task is to secure the consistency league campaigns demand. Another, after signing two centre-backs, is to fashion a convincing defence.
JOSE MOURINHO
The Portuguese has already won over the United support, who seem delighted he is not Louis van Gaal. Now he needs to ensure his football is dramatically different to his predecessor’s dull style of play. Mourinho is not always a byword for attacking but, after United scored a mere 49 league goals, he has to make them more potent. That involves making their passing more purposeful. Mourinho also has to trim a squad that seems too large for his liking. He has raised expectations by saying he will not be satisfied merely with Uefa Champions League qualification: he seems intent on going for the title.
MAURICIO POCHETTINO
The problem with progress is sustaining it, year after year. The youthful look to the Spurs side brings belief they can get better, but that is easier said than done. While Tottenham no longer have the draining Thursday-Sunday routine Europa League participation entails, they now have the challenge of proving themselves in the Champions League without suffering in the Premier League. Last season suggests Pochettino needs to find his best team earlier in a campaign and ensure they do not run out of steam before the end. Plus their meltdown at Chelsea will bring a focus on their discipline.
CLAUDIO RANIERI
The stiffest challenge of all: making lightning strike twice. Yet even assuming Leicester City will not retain the title — and knowing their fans will not expect them to — Ranieri is charged with ensuring this season does not seem an anti-climax. He has to combat opponents who are likelier to devote more time and attention to stopping Leicester while rotating his squad more, and presumably seeing their fitness challenged by Champions League football. Their freshness, continuity and team spirit were among their great strengths last season: now the Italian must integrate newcomers and find a way to prove the sold N’Golo Kante is not missed.
ARSENE WENGER
The Frenchman’s challenges are found both on and off the field. Winning back the support of the Arsenal fans who are more vocal in opposition to him. Convincing them he deserves a new contract — should he want one — probably requires major silverware. One aim must be to get past the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since 2010. Another is to eradicate the failings that have pockmarked recent seasons: Arsenal have to demonstrate they can win games, especially against their peers, when the title is at stake. Proving they can defend well enough and be clinical in attack are other challenges.