Antonio Conte insists his Chelsea team is in stronger position than when he took over

Chelsea finished 10th in their last title defence compared to a probable fifth this season

Conte is proud of his team this season (Getty)

Antonio Conte is proud of the fact that Chelsea have finished this season in a stronger state than they were when he took over in 2016.

Even though Chelsea are likely to finish fifth, having won the Premier League last season, Conte said that gives them “a bit of an advantage” over where they were when he arrived. Chelsea famously finished 10th in 2015-16, the season when Jose Mourinho was sacked in December with the reigning champions near the relegation zone.

Ahead of what is expected to be his final Premier League game in charge of Chelsea, Conte launched a forthright defence of his two-year spell at Stamford Bridge, even though he admitted Chelsea have “struggled” this season, which has not been as good as the first.

“I think you remember, last season after a 10th place we won the league,” Conte said. “It was difficult. We worked very hard, but we won, after a 10th place finish. Now, probably, you can finish fifth and start with a bit of an advantage compared to when you finish 10th.”

While Conte repeatedly insisted he did not want to “judge” his work – “other people will judge our position” – he said he was proud of the body of work he has accomplished over two years.

“For sure, we worked two years and worked very hard to try to build something, to create a base,” he said. “I think we did this.”

Conte also argued that the nature of the modern Premier League, with a ‘Big Six’ but four Champions League spots, meant that top clubs had to get used to the prospect of missing out on Champions League football. Unless Liverpool slip up on Sunday, Chelsea are likely to be playing Europa League football next season.

“This season we also worked very hard and, for sure, we are struggling,” Conte admitted. “We are struggling to take a place in the Champions League. But this league is very tough. Where there are six top teams who fight to take the four Champions League places. It can happen.

“Last season, United finished sixth and Arsenal fifth. You must pay great attention for the present and the future. It won't be easy. It's not automatic that you finish every season in the top four.”