Antonio Conte has called on Chelsea to underline their status as favourites for the Premier League title with an dominant display against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
Conte’s side are three points clear at the top after a blistering run of eight successive victories including last weekend’s impressive triumph at title rivals Manchester City.
The Blues have scored 22 goals and conceded just two in their winning streak, but Chelsea boss Conte believes he will have a clearer picture of his team’s title chances at the end of the busy Christmas programme.
Pointing out to his players that Chelsea started the season as also-rans in the title race according to many pundits, Conte called on them to prove they can cope with the pressure of leading from the front by seeing off Albion at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s difficult to accept (being favourites) because we have played only 14 games,” Conte said.
“We started as underdogs this season, but I suppose it’s normal if you’re playing good football and winning a lot of games.
“It’s important to continue, that from this win we don’t lose our hunger.”
On paper, Chelsea have a golden opportunity to cement pole position heading into the new year as their fixtures after the West Brom clash are against Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Stoke City.
But Conte stressed the importance of focusing only on the next opponent and demanded his players show their commitment by playing with high intensity in training.
“It’s always difficult to say if these five games are a great opportunity,” Conte said. “This league has taught me that every game is very tough.
“If you don’t face every game with great concentration and preparation you can find yourself in trouble.
“Sunday is the type of game we can find difficult if we don’t put the same concentration, the same focus, that we had in the previous games.
“The best reply from my players is to be focused every day during the training session.
“If you have a good training session you show me that you are focused for the game.
“It’s important to talk with the players, but the reply in training and on the pitch is important.”
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