Why Chelsea Look in Good Shape to Mount Title Push in 2016/17

When Antonio Conte was unveiled as Chelsea boss earlier in July, he spoke in the poetic way overseas managers often do.

Call it his tongue translating the romance of the Italian language into English; whatever it was, Conte's expressions made his intentions sound all the more appealing.

"The coach is a tailor who must make the best dress for the team," he said of his plans to restore Chelsea's pride at his opening press conference. "Last season, in 10th was a bad season, but we must think to the present."

The image of him putting Chelsea back together, stitch by stitch, feeds the romantic ideal of why he was employed in the first place. Conte's arrived in west London as Chelsea's saviour, but he's not going to be sending them to the ball underdressed; he wants to see his team lauded for their beauty as much as they are for their brawn.

True to his word, Conte is already on track with achieving that task. Chelsea look in good shape for a title push next season—not because of money or a flurry of new signings but because of him.

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The manager's impact has been as rapid as it is impressive. In just over a fortnight, he has rearranged Chelsea's squad and brought about a freshness to it. His players are eager to work for him, and we're already witnessing a renaissance of sorts from forgotten men such as Victor Moses.

It seems Conte's presence is proving infectious. Chelsea have been pleasing to watch in their opening few matches of pre-season under Conte, and they're getting results on the back of it.

The rhetoric at Stamford Bridge has changed. Gone are the excuses and conflict of old, replaced by a more subtle, affable approach.

When Cesc Fabregas was sent off in the recent 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the International Champions Cup, the boss was quick to kill the controversy.

"I'm sorry for this and the player is the same," he said at full time, per Charlotte Marsh of Sky Sports. "To the player, I said no excuses and I'm sorry for him and I'm sorry for the Liverpool player."

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Conte may have the look of a demon on the sidelines when he parades up and down in his technical area, barking out orders, yet in person, when he addresses the media, his character is far more considered and refined. He's calm in press conferences and interviews; he smiles and laughs.

We can only speculate, but there's no reason to expect this approach would be any different with his players. If Conte's drilling them and pushing them hard from the dugout during 90 minutes, he has a symbolic arm around the shoulder off the pitch.

The manager speaks a footballing language that soothes. And with the turmoil of last year, he's utilised John Terry well to bring everything together in these early days.

"John is working very well, like the other players, and I am very happy with his attitude and behaviour," he said in a recent press conference. "I know he loves this team, and this is very important because he can transfer his passion for this club to the other players, and I think John can play an important role this season, both if he plays and if he doesn't."

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While we're still trying to work out just how exactly Conte's side will function, it's clear his approach will be more inclusive than managers of the past. Rafa Benitez made the mistake of turning his back on Terry, also sidelining Frank Lampard for a spell during his six-month reign as interim boss in 2012/13.

It was his way of asserting authority, but it backfired. It frustrated those on the terraces all the more, having been disappointed by the fact Benitez replaced club legend Roberto Di Matteo.

Benitez's style caused problems, and Conte is showing he's not in the business of challenging the status of his players for the same perceived gains the Spaniard was hoping for. Those battles are divisive, whereas Conte is attempting to instil harmony.

Last season told us everything about how the mood of a dressing room can damage what's happening outside of it. Chelsea's morale bottomed out in 2015/16, and the players lost their resolve as a consequence. Crowned Premier League champions a few months earlier, Chelsea's stars were made to look distinctly average by September.

When changes were eventually made and Jose Mourinho departed shortly before Christmas, performances only mildly improved. By the turn of the year, it was clear all concerned were counting down the days to May.

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That notion has been reversed; Chelsea fans are checking off the days on their calendars to August 15, when their season starts with a London derby against bitter rivals West Ham United at Stamford Bridge.

They're back to relishing what the future holds. It's taken Conte a mere two weeks to remove the sense of foreboding that had engulfed Chelsea.

Still, these are just the early stages of Conte's reign. He has issues to address in defence, where Branislav Ivanovic's recent injury has meant he only has three recognised first-team defenders fit for the rest of pre-season.

Given Chelsea recorded their worst defensive record in 20 years last term, conceding 53 goals, the need to strengthen in that area is vital, regardless of Terry remaining for another campaign.

Chelsea are giving off an aura of strength, though. They have a look of side that can challenge for honours again, and given how 2015/16 ended, it's remarkable we can say that with any confidence on the eve of the new season.

Chelsea look in good shape, and it's all because of one man: Conte.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes.