Chelsea's Conte ready for EPL challengers
Aug 6, 2017 - 12:12 AM Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte is relishing the challenge of rivals strengthening in a bid to dethrone his side.Conte won the Premier League title in his first season in charge, after Chelsea had finished 10th in defence of their title the previous campaign.
The Italian knows it will be difficult to claim successive titles as the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City have spent big this summer.
"In England it's very difficult to repeat and to win," Conte said.
"In England you win the title and the others prepare next season to fight you with all their strength, to try to go to the transfer market, to try to improve."
Conte anticipates the most difficult season of his career and wants Chelsea to make additions to his small squad before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
"To be coach of a great team in England is great, but also gives you a lot of responsibility," Conte added.
"When you arrive in England you must be ready to fight with big teams, against big players, against big coaches.
"This league has made me better than before. I'm sure about this."
Chelsea's season begins on Sunday with the Community Shield against Arsenal, a team Conte rates as rivals for the Premier League despite the Gunners last winning it in 2003-04.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool are the others Conte views as contenders.
Conte added: "Arsenal is a potential rival this season. I consider Arsenal one of the six teams ready to fight to win the title.
"I consider Arsene Wenger one of the best coaches. He had a lot of time to build his team, his squad."
Wenger has been Gunners boss for 20 years and signed a two-year contract extension after winning the FA Cup for a record seventh time with May's 2-1 defeat of Chelsea.
Conte added: "I'm not surprised (Wenger stayed). Arsene Wenger is one of the best in the world and Arsenal is one of the best teams."
Conte, whose side begin their Premier League title defence against Burnley on August 12, wants Chelsea to start the season with victory over Arsenal.
Conte was denied the double in his first season as Blues boss when Arsenal won May's FA Cup final 2-1.
Source: AAP
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