Antonio Conte says Chelsea finishing in top four would be a success

Antonio Conte insists that a top-four finish in the Premier League will be a success for Chelsea.

Chelsea are currently third in table, 16 points behind clear leaders Manchester City, but have closed the gap to Manchester United in second to just a point.

Despite starting the season with hopes of retaining the title, a poor start saw the Blues drop out of the race and after their fourth league defeat against West Ham, Conte conceded that it was "impossible" to challenge City.

The Chelsea boss has now set his side the aim of securing a Champions League place and says the competitiveness of England's top-flight makes it the "holy league".

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"In this league, to finish in the top four will always be a success," said the Italian.

"This is the holy league. To have six top teams to be fighting every season for the title.

"There are only four places for the Champions League and two for the Europa League and you have to fight to qualify for this competition.

"It is normal when your competitor is doing so well, like Manchester City, it is very difficult to fight for the title.

"At the same time, we have to put all ourselves in every game to try and get three points to give satisfaction to our fans."

Chelsea host Stoke on Saturday, before facing Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports.

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Asked if he would be resting players at the weekend in order to keep them fresh for the Arsenal clash, Conte said: "We have to go game-by-game. It is normal when you have to play every two days, I have to make rotations to give rest to the players that are playing every game.

"All my players deserve credit and I trust in all my players.

"On Saturday we have a game which is very difficult against Stoke City.

"Last season in the same period we suffered a lot to beat them at home."

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