EPL: Chelsea must be realistic about title, says Antonio Conte

Antonio Conte has admitted Chelsea face a daunting challenge if they are to claw back the nine-point deficit to leaders Manchester City and successfully defend their Premier League title

Antonio Conte has admitted Chelsea face a daunting challenge if they are to claw back the nine-point deficit to leaders Manchester City and successfully defend their Premier League title. A 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday ensured Conte's men didn't lose more ground to Pep Guardiola's side. Eden Hazard's 51st-minute goal settled the outcome of a game at Dean Court. But the Italian refused to look too far into the future. "At this moment we must be realistic by going game by game," said Conte.

Antonio Conte

"We have 19 points and we deserve to have 19 points. We are first in our group in the Champions League. We went into the next round of the League Cup after going out in the second round last season. I'm very happy for this group. There are players who are very honest, players who want to fight until the end for something important." As for remaining in the top four, Conte said: "Are we able to do this? I don't know. But we will try to stay there. I know that, in England in this league, there are very strong six top teams."

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