Chelsea News: Conte praised by Ancelotti, Man United boss Mourinho aims dig, Merson claim

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Antonio Conte: We must work harder to keep winning streak

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has been labelled "extraordinary" by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti. 

Conte took the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer after the club's disappointing tenth-placed finish last term. 

However, the former Juventus chief has masterminded a Chelsea resurgence that has seen them win their last 13 league games.

And Ancelotti, who won the double with Chelsea in 2010, was full of praise for his compatriot. 

"What Conte is doing at Chelsea is extraordinary," Ancelotti told Gazzetta dello Sport

"Antonio has determination, ideas, personality and experience. He's mature as a coach now and I'm truly happy for him."

Antonio Conte ChelseaGETTY

Antonio Conte has steered Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has aimed a dig at Chelsea ahead of their clash with Tottenham

Chelsea go into the London derby on Wednesday night (8pm) having had four days off. 

United, meanwhile, were forced to play West Ham just 48 hours after beating Middlesbrough - something Mourinho was unhappy with. 

"We will see Chelsea-Tottenham and somebody may lose, or both could lose two points," Mourinho said.

"So the next step is to try to win our matches, but in relation to Tottenham versus Chelsea... we hope that it is an amazing match.

"It is a match between two amazing football teams with the privilege that no one else has - they are fresh [after a longer break]. Let’s hope for a good match."

Manchester United Jose MourinhoGETTY

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has aimed a dig at Chelsea

Paul Merson ChelseaGETTY

Paul Merson has backed Tottenham to keep Chelsea at bay

Paul Merson believes Chelsea's winning run will end against Tottenham. 

Conte's side travel to White Hart Lane aiming to equal Arsenal's league record of 14 victories in a row.

But Merson believes Spurs will stand firm to deny their rivals. 

"Chelsea are looking to break the Premier League record for consecutive wins in this match, but I don't think they'll do it because this is a really hard game," he told Sky Sports. 

"I watched Chelsea's game against Stoke for Soccer Saturday and they have weaknesses. 

"Despite the record, I think Antonio Conte will look at the next two fixtures away at Spurs and Leicester and he'd take four points."

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