Conte may have sealed Chelsea fate with Manchester City admission

Guardiola: Heaps praise on Conte

Antonio Conte believes Manchester City boast too strong a squad to not contest the Premier League title again next season and seemingly succeed where his side has failed.

The Italian’s future at Stamford Bridge appears to be in its final throws, not least because of the disappointing defence of their own Premier League title – won in such swashbuckling fashion 12 months – that has seen Chelsea doubtful of even finishing in the top four.

His admission that City can succeed where his side has failed this season is unlikely to go down too well with his Chelsea bosses, who have been linked with moves for Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel and Maurizio Sarri as potential replacements.

Pep Guardiola’s team were crowned champions last weekend with five games of the season still to go and boast a 16-point lead over second-placed Manchester United.

Conte said: “Manchester City is one club that can continue to dominate, to win, not only in England, but also to fight for the Champions League.

“They have the possibility to do this. It is a very strong club, they have an important squad with great players and are a club that want to invest and improve. There are a lot of things that are right.”

Chelsea, in contrast, go into Thursday’s clash with Burnley with their top-four hopes hanging by a thread.

The Blues trail fourth-placed Tottenham by eight points, even if Spurs have played a game more.

 

On his side’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League, Conte said: “We have to try until the end to reach this target.

“If we want to be realistic with five games to go, it’s not simple to reduce the gap, but we must have the will to fight, the desire to take this target. Why not?

“We have an important game against Burnley, a really strong team having a fantastic season, and it won’t be easy to get three points.”

 

Like our dedicated Chelsea Facebook page for the latest news and features to your timeline