Antonio Conte believes it was ‘easier’ to defend his first Serie A title as Juventus boss than it will be to successfully hold on to his first Premier League crown with Chelsea due to the reactions from the chasing pack in the summer transfer window.
The Italian pipped AC Milan to the 2011-12 crown by four points but eased to a second title a season later, with runners-up Napoli nine points adrift.
However, Chelsea already find themselves six points behind Manchester United and Manchester City, having lost to Pep Guardiola’s side at the weekend.
Speaking after the defeat, Conte explained that he’s expecting a much tougher title defence than in Italy due to the attitudes of his Premier League rivals.
‘I see the commitment every day, but for sure to defend the title is very difficult,’ he said.
‘It is very difficult for every team in this league. To defend – it is very difficult to win two titles in a row.
‘We won the title with Juventus and I was expecting a really strong challenge from AC Milan, but instead they sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris St Germain, so they became weaker.
‘It wasn’t simple second time, but it was easier. Here, from last season to this season, you have big teams and now they are bigger.
‘I think last season we did a really great job, because we won the League against a really strong team, because Man City last season also was a fantastic team.
‘And now after I think a great transfer market, they have improved a lot. It’s not simple to play this League.
‘We have to try to do our best in every game with great ambition, because we must always have the right ambition. But at the same time sometimes you have to compliment your opponent. You must be honest and accept the result.’
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