Chelsea boss Antonio Conte focused on Manchester City game rather than title challenge
Sunday 2 April 2017 23:40, UK
Antonio Conte is maintaining a 'step by step' approach as Chelsea bid to secure the Premier League title.
The Italian head coach admits there may be no obvious answer to Saturday's shock 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace, as the Blues' 13-game winning run at home came to an end and their lead was cut to seven points.
Manchester City next visit Chelsea on Wednesday, where an immediate response from Conte's men will be required.
"This league was not finished before this game and it's not finished now," Conte said. "There are nine games to play and we have to think step by step.
"At the end [of the season], if we deserve to win the title, we will be very happy. If someone else deserves to win the title, it means that they have played better than us.
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"When you lose this type of game, in your mind you try to apply a lot of questions. But it's very difficult to find a reply to this result.
"I know Man City started the season wanting to win the title. They have a really strong squad but I think it's right to think about ourselves, to go game by game.
"In England, every game is very tough, whether the name of your opponent is City or another team."
Chelsea remain in a strong position to reclaim the Premier League crown and require another 21 points to be certain of the title.
Conte dismissed the suggestion that the title run-in pressure was a factor in the Blues' loss to the Eagles, insisting a number of clubs will be feeling the heat during the title run-in.
"It's normal when you stay in a great club and you are very good - and also you are lucky to fight for the title - there is pressure," Conte added.
"Not [just] for us but for a lot of teams. Don't forget the other teams were candidates to win the title and instead we have stayed up the table.
"We have tried to keep this position. If you are able to keep this position, it means that we deserve it."
