Chelsea's Record-Breaker Antonio Conte Proves He's the Armani of Managers

SELHURST PARK, LONDON — Chelsea boss Antonio Conte didn't want to acknowledge it himself on Saturday, but it doesn't mean we can't do exactly that for him. His team's record-breaking run of form this season has shown the Italian to be among the best of the world's football managers. If we didn't know it already, he's in the established elite.

For a man who so often speaks of his role as being akin to that of a humble tailor in the process that makes a great football team, Conte's showing himself to be so much more. The Chelsea manager isn't a man who is stitching just any garment together at Stamford Bridge; he's fashioning something beautiful. Indeed, his creation is looking close to perfect.

Conte's Chelsea aren't pret-a-porter; his team is couture. There's a big difference between both.

With 11 successive league wins in a single season setting a new record in Chelsea's history—their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park confirmed it—the Blues are beginning to resemble one of Italy's finest fashion houses.

With this analogy in mind, Bleacher Report put it to Conte that everything we've witnessed in this magnificent run of form, which has seen his team become runaway leaders in the Premier League title race, means he is the Giorgio Armani of coaches.

The comparison isn't because they share a nationality. It runs a little deeper than that; the Armani brand is known for quality. Every stitch that goes into an item carrying the Armani insignia is done so with no shortage of thought and careful consideration. The cut of the cloth and how suits are tapered to hug the figure and present elegance are of paramount importance. They create a feeling of desire for those they adorn.

It isn't a fluke Chelsea have set this winning record under Conte—one that equals a winning streak in 2009 but crossed over two seasons and two managers back then. They have done it by design with a manager who has shaped everything to fit what Chelsea have at their disposal.

Conte's protected David Luiz by reducing his defensive responsibilities in order for him to play more football. He's utilised Victor Moses' raw qualities to transform him into a marauding wing-back. Most vital in it all, Conte's designed the whole system to empower Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, his standout players.

It's produced something incredible that no other team in English football can match. The might of Manchester City's Pep Guardiola hasn't come close, while Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have been left behind. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also struggling to keep up.

Conte didn't know how to answer the Armani question. There was a slight hint of embarrassment for him to be labelled in such terms, but as he began to understand the sentiment, we saw the barriers of a football manager begin to be broken down. We saw through to the person.

The Italian's laugh is infectious, and he even gives a hint to his sense of humour when suggesting he should be compared to another famous Italian fashion brand in Dolce & Gabbana.

For Chelsea supporters, taking three points from London rivals to cement their place at the top was always going to be the highlight of the weekend. Watching Conte take such delight in it runs it into a close second, though.

In recent matches, we've seen Conte's methods working better than they ever have in the short time he has called Stamford Bridge home. His side has played three games in seven days, winning each of them 1-0 to secure the valuable nine points that separate them from Liverpool and Arsenal at the top.

"I think that we have found a good balance, offensively and defensively," the Chelsea boss said. "For now, we continue to work, and in the future we can have different ideas to change and find a different solution. I think now [that Chelsea are winning so many matches] that it's not a good idea to change."

The scorelines aren't the important thing to consider here, though. In the past 11 games, both Manchester clubs, Everton and Spurs have all been beaten, but it's overcoming West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Palace that told us everything about Conte and his players.

Chelsea couldn't waltz their way to those victories. The way their opponents attempted to stifle them meant they had to grind out and earn the points. Against the Baggies, they had to wait until the 76th minute for Costa's winner. Cesc Fabregas' goal at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday came slightly earlier, five minutes before half-time, yet Chelsea still had to show stomach for a battle beyond that.

It was the case at a forlorn-looking Selhurst Park. If ever there were a day for Chelsea's winning run to come to an end, away to Crystal Palace felt like it. The weather conjured up feelings of a pathetic fallacy firmly at play as a mist set in ahead of kick-off. It was cold and miserable, and the Blues weren't getting anything fall their way.

Costa was booked midway through the opening half—his fifth caution of the campaign, meaning he misses the Boxing Day clash with Bournemouth. It mattered little for him, however, as the Spain international rose highest to head his side in front just before the break. Disappointment turned to celebration for Costa regardless of that looming one-game ban.

Whereas they've played lavish football at times, now Chelsea are showing substance when it matters. Before, questions were being asked about their ability to go to-to-toe with sides, which they answered impeccably. United were thrashed 4-0, Everton a more emphatic 5-0. When it came to City and Spurs, they had to come from behind to take maximum points.

The questions are different now. Opponents are asking Chelsea to play through them, around them and over them. They're giving nothing away, and when a side can overcome that three times in seven days, it speaks highly for how the coach has got them working together.

What Chelsea have faced in their last three games hasn't been about footballing ability. They've had to overcome the demons that threaten any title challenge—their belief that they can win any football match. We've seen Arsenal and Liverpool falter because of an inability to do that, yet Chelsea—the same team that failed so miserably last year—aren't.

The change has been rapid, and it's been because of one man: the manager.

When it comes to Milan Fashion Week, the models striding down catwalks look impeccable. They are admired, but without the designer dressing them, they would appear mortal. They need the added panache, the vision.

It's that Conte has given to this Chelsea team.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes.