Antonio Conte guarding against complacency as Chelsea close in on title
Antonio Conte is saying all the right things as Chelsea close in on the Premier League title. The race is not over yet.
While Chelsea fans may feel that the Premier League title is all but theirs, Antonio Conte is making sure that the team’s mentality is not similar. Speaking ahead of the Blues’ clash with Liverpool, the boss claimed that the title race is still open.
Even though Chelsea hold a commanding eight point lead, a few poor results in the coming week can bring their rivals back into the mix. Conte is ensuring that his players are still hungry for three points in each game.
"[Liverpool] are one of six teams that can fight for the title and a place in the Champions League. It’s very important but after this week we have to play 14 games. It doesn’t finish the league after these two games. – via Daily Mail"
Chelsea face both Liverpool and Arsenal in the course of a week. If they pick up two wins, then a near-catastrophe needs to happen for the title to end up anywhere other than Stamford Bridge.
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However, two losses could see the Blues’ advantage cut to two points. With 14 games remaining, two points is essentially a level playing field. The pressure will be on the players while fellow title contenders snap at Chelsea’s heels.
Hence, it is vital that the Blues guard against complacency and approach this week with the level of commitment it deserves. Liverpool have suffered three consecutive defeats and Jurgen Klopp’s men will be desperate to make amends.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will once again be eager to finally deliver that Premier League title that has eluded them for the last 13 years.
Conte has already proven to be a competent manager. He has the whole dressing room behind him, as shown by performances on the pitch and comments in the press. With an attitude like this, it is easy to see why.
How do you think this week will go for Chelsea? Are we looking at two wins and the Premier League title in the bag? Or victories for the chasing pack? Let us know in the comments below!