Chelsea head coach, Antonio Conte, has warned his team against premature celebrations despite the 3-1 win at Bournemouth to take them ever closer to the Premier League title.
The Blues responded to Tottenham Hotspurs’ hammering of Watford earlier on Saturday to restore their seven-point lead atop the table, and Conte has called for even more effort as his side look to reclaim the title, Goal writes.
“I don’t smell the victory, because there are seven games to go,” Conte said in an interview after the game.
“We don’t have an easy schedule, we know this. It’s important to go game by game.
“In this case, after the defeat against Crystal Palace which we didn’t deserve, we played [Manchester] City when we could have dropped points, and today we could have dropped points, but instead we won both games.
Chelsea’s shock loss at home to Palace last weekend saw them give more room to their closest rivals Spurs, and Conte believes it’s his side’s desire that will get them across the finish line in the end.
“We have to continue in this way to play game by game and be focused and concentrated, because for sure Tottenham have a great desire to win the title,” Conte added.
“We must have the same desire.
“Don’t forget last season Tottenham fought for the title until the end which means they are a really good team. Last season Chelsea played for 10th place. Now we are on top of the table.
“Tottenham reinforced the team this season with two or three good players, and I think they are stronger than last season. It’s important to understand this to compare the teams in the right way.”
The former Italy coach, who always cuts an animated feature on the sidelines, says it’s the pressure that makes champions.
“I like the pressure, I live with pressure. If I don’t see pressure, I put pressure on.
“Pressure brings the best out of you,” he said.