You don’t need us to tell you but it has to be said anyway, Chelsea have been sensational this year. So far the blues’ season, which included a 13 match-winning streak in the Premier League has been a dream. The passionate upbeat nature of Conte’s reign has been the direct opposite of the dreary, ‘can’t be bothered’ displays that were churned out as Mourinho’s second stint as Chelsea boss came to an end last season.

With much of the media and public’s attention, quite rightly, being taken up by the Premier League run-in little has been made of how Chelsea might fare in next seasons Champions League. This is a competition that means so much to owner Roman Abramovich, meaning Conte will be backed handsomely again in the summer, and will be expected to deliver a decent showing.

Conte, who came with the reputation of being a hard working; no nonsense manager has instilled a great camaraderie at Chelsea. The Italian’s attention to detail has cultivated a great environment at Stamford Bridge that the club is reaping the rewards from. This kind of team-ethic is a great trait for a team to possess and one that can really make the difference in tricky situations that they will no doubt come across when taking on Europe’s best.

Looking at Chelsea this season it is clear that their strength comes from having an unbelievably solid foundation to play off. A back five with (mostly) Matic and Kante in front has barely given up any chances this season, let alone goals. This is great news for a side looking to go far in Europe, against the best teams on the continent you must be able to keep it tight when needed. Barcelona couldn’t away in Paris and were put to the sword, the same happened with Arsenal in Munich. Capitulations such as those two games just will not happen with this Chelsea side, Conte wouldn’t allow it.

Furthermore, the side is well versed at sitting back and attacking with devastating pace and guile with Pedro, Willian and the unstoppable Hazard. Add to that Costa’s willingness to run the channels and just be an all-round nightmare for defenders and you have an attacking outfit that’s up there with the best of them.

In addition, Chelsea also have one of the most-celebrated tactical managers in world football. Conte seems to always have his tactics right, he’s transformed Chelsea in a short space of time, following on from an impressive European Championships where he coached an unfancied Italian side, who overcame holders Spain before losing to world champions Germany on penalties.

So all Chelsea have is a great team-ethic, solid defence, devastating attack and high-class manager then. Europe you have been warned.