Tuesday 5 April 2016 07:38, UK
Antonio Conte must turn Chelsea back into Premier League title contenders to be a success at Stamford Bridge, according to Ray Wilkins.
Current Italy coach Conte was officially confirmed as the Blues new permanent head coach on a three-year deal on Monday and will take up the reins following the conclusion of the 2016 European Championship in France this summer.
Chelsea flirted with the relegation zone this season following a disastrous start to their Premier League title defence, before Guus Hiddink steadied the ship following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho in November.
Conte won three Serie A titles with Juventus before resigning in 2014 and Wilkins believes similar domestic dominance is required at Chelsea.
"He is very keen on the European scene, Mr Abramovich, but they have to compete in the Premier League as well," Wilkins told Sky Sports News HQ.
"To win your own title is vitally important for a club like Chelsea and domestically, you have to get your house in order. It's your bread and butter football, the Premier League, and that's the one we all want to win.
"It's all OK winning the Champions League, but they have to get back on a sure footing."
"He has done exceptionally well at Juventus, so there is no reason why he couldn't do very well at Chelsea. He is a youthful, energetic character and I am sure he will do a good job.
"This year they (Chelsea) have had a bit of a torrid time and it has not been pleasant to watch, but Antonio comes in with a clean sheet behind him.
"He did a fantastic job with Juventus and did create a fortress there. He changed different systems there, he went three at the back for a long period and they were very successful. So, it will be very interesting to see how he goes."
Wilkins also believes Conte may look to keep Chelsea captain John Terry at the club next season. Terry is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and is yet to be offered a new deal to remain with Chelsea.
"John Terry is an exceptional player and he will be for the next couple of years, whether he is at Chelsea or elsewhere and I think Antonio will want to use his experience, picking his brains a touch as to what he is actually coming into," Wilkins added.
