Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte, has dismissed Arsene Wenger’s claims that the Premier League title is theirs to lose.
Wenger said the Blues are “super favourites” after their remarkable 12-game winning streak.
Speaking in his Friday media conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Stoke, Conte said: “I think it’s very difficult to reply to this question. I think we have played only 18 games and there are 20 games to finish this season.
“At the start of the season, not one coach, not one person, not one journalist trusted in this team to fight for the title in this league this season, because it came after a bad season.
“Our market wasn’t good for the summer. But now I’m pleased that the opinion is changing.
“I’m a bit worried because, when the opinion changes quickly, you must pay attention. We have only six points more than the second teams, and seven from the third team. The way is long, but I repeat: I’m pleased, me and the players, if people are changing their opinions (of us).
“I think the most important thing in our heads must be to continue to work, to work very had and continue to be focused game by game. To think it’s not easy, this league. That we’re doing very well. I think that 12 wins in a row is a great achievement, but it’s not enough to win the league at this point of the season.
“Also, I hope to keep this run (going), also tomorrow because that will be a tough game against Stoke City and we must pay great attention if we want to continue in this way.
“It’s important for us to start by beating Stoke City, and then to think about this question. For sure, tomorrow is very important because we play a game at home, against Stoke City, the last game in the first part of the season.
“It’s important to continue to win to send out the right message. But, then, as I said before, we remain after tomorrow 19 games (to play). It’s a long way before we arrive at the end of the season.”
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