Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has admitted that the challenge of defending a league title is much greater in the Premier League to that of the Serie A.

After joining Chelsea last summer, the former Italy boss charged the league and led the Blues to a comfortable victory in the title race. Early on this season though it is clear that there are several sides in with a chance of snatching the title from Chelsea, and Conte’s side have found it tough at times to find their great form from last season.

Conte understands the pressures of the English leagues though, comparing it to his time in Italy where he won back-to-back titles with Juventus. The Italian won the Serie A title with the Old Lady, then smashed the league the following season by a 17 point margin.

“We won the title with Juventus and I was expecting a really strong challenge from AC Milan, but instead they sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris St Germain, so they became weaker,” said Conte.

“It wasn’t simple second time, but it was easier. Here, from last season to this season, you have big teams and now they are bigger.”

“I think last season we did a really great job, because we won the League against a really strong team, because Man City last season also was a fantastic team.”

“And now after I think a great transfer market, they have improved a lot. It’s not simple to play this league. We have to try to do our best in every game with great ambition, because we must always have the right ambition.”

“But at the same time sometimes you have to compliment your opponent. You must be honest and accept the result.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]