Pat Nevin insists Antonio Conte must improve his Chelsea squad

But the ex-Blues winger insists Antonio Conte must draft in further reinforcements or they will fall far behind the Manchester giants this season.

Chelsea kicked off their Premier League title defence in embarrassing style at the weekend, having two players sent off in their shock 3-2 home defeat to Burnley.

Negativity is growing around Stamford Bridge and Conte must rejuvenate his ranks ahead of their early-season blockbuster against Tottenham this Sunday.

Chelsea are still eager to spend more cash before the transfer window closes and Nevin is adamant that must happen.

But the pundit has warned Conte against pushing any panic buttons and making sure he lands the right players.

Nevin told the club's website: "Manchesters United and City are stronger [than Chelsea] and the rest [of the Premier League] have all had a season to get a handle on our 3-4-3.

"At its best it will still be a great weapon, but certainly the element of surprise has long gone so further tactical and personnel adaptations will be necessary.

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"Fortunately, if you have a look at Antonio's history at Juventus you will see a raft of different systems and solutions for different problems that arise, so we are in good hands.

"There are options but more bodies are needed and there is no doubt whatsoever the club know this and are trying to do something about it.

"The most important thing is not to push any panic buttons.

"Act in haste and repent at leisure is an old saying which is certainly true, and remember, mistakes in football buying tend to be incredibly expensive mistakes."