London: Antonio Conte aims to take advantage of Chelsea's Champions League absence to sharpen their Premier League title challenge.
<img title="Antonio Conte" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2016/aug/2Antonio-Conte-1.jpg" alt="Antonio Conte" /> Antonio Conte
The Blues finished 10th last term, a hugely disappointing campaign that cost Jose Mourinho his job in December and represented a lacklustre and unsuccessful title defence. Guus Hiddink steadied the ship with a calm caretaker stint, allowing Chelsea to recruit Conte on completion of his Euro duties managing Italy.
Conte exploited Juventus' lack of Champions League football to swipe the Serie A title in his first season managing the Italian giants in 2011-12, and is already eyeing a repeat in west London.
"Not playing in the Champions League could be an opportunity because I will be able to work more with my players," Conte told the Evening Standard. "If you ask me if I prefer this situation, I don't because Chelsea must be in this competition.
"But because we are not, I will have a whole week to train with my players and that gives me a chance to work with them more compared to Chelsea managers in previous seasons."

Antonio Conte aims to take advantage of Chelsea's Champions League absence to sharpen their Premier League title challenge

Antonio Conte: Champions League absence could help Chelsea win EPL

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Antonio Conte aims to take advantage of Chelsea's Champions League absence to sharpen their Premier League title challenge

Antonio Conte: Champions League absence could help Chelsea win EPL

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Home / Sports / Football / Article / Antonio Conte: Champions League absence could help Chelsea win EPL

Antonio Conte: Champions League absence could help Chelsea win EPL

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