Conte keen for Chelsea to strengthen squad ahead of Premier League defence

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte admits the club must strengthen during the summer if they’re to produce back-to-back Premier League titles.

The Italian enjoyed a wonderful first season in English football, winning the Premier League title and also reaching last weekend’s FA Cup Final against Arsenal.

Conte is not content with his lot at Stamford Bridge though and has urged his players to recharge their batteries over the summer before going again in August.

Chelsea will have Champions League football to contend with next season and Conte has called on the club’s hierarchy to back him in the transfer market.

Picture: Getty

‘It’s very important to take two or three days to rest and also to be a bit relaxed after this season,’ Conte said.

“This season was very tough for me in many aspects, and for this reason now the best way for me is to take three days with my family, to stay with them, to rest and then to try to prepare for a new season.

“It’s very important to analyse very well our season. Our squad that we had this season reached an incredible target with players that performed 120 per cent.

“But we didn’t have injuries this season, we were very good with our work but also we were very lucky. You can have traumatic injuries and it doesn’t depend on the work. We must not forget that.

“Next season will be another tough season for all the teams. Don’t forget this season we haven’t had a squad like United’s or City’s or Tottenham’s or Arsenal’s. This season we won the league.”