Chelsea boss more focused on top-four spot than catching City

BOURNEMOUTH, United Kingdom — Antonio Conte reckons Chelsea faces a daunting task as it attempts to claw back a nine-point deficit to leader Manchester City and retain its Premier League title.

A 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday ensured Chelsea didn’t lose more ground to City, and the Italian admitted the win provided a welcome boost to the Londoners’ confidence ahead of the midweek Champions League trip to Roma.

But Blues boss Conte refused to look too far ahead and warned Chelsea is in a battle to merely finish in the top four, never mind first.

“At this moment we must be realistic by going game by game,” said Conte.

“We have 19 points and we deserve to have 19 points. We are first in our group Champions League.

“We went into the next round of the Carabao (League) Cup after going out in the second round last season.

“I’m very happy for this group. They are players who are very honest, players who want to fight until the end for something important.”

As for remaining in the top four, Conte said: “Are we able to do this? I don’t know. But we will try to stay there. I know very well that, in England in this league, there are six top teams, very strong.

“Four go into the Champions League. Two have to stay out and play Europa League. Last season we saw this. It was very, very, very difficult.”

Eden Hazard’s 51st-minute goal earned Chelsea the three points at Bournemouth, but in the

A good win for our confidence, a good win before another tough game against Roma in the Champions League.”

Antonio Conte, Chelsea coach, on victory at Bournemouth

N’Golo Kante was again left out as he recovers from a hamstring injury but Conte was hopeful the defensive midfielder will return against Roma on Tuesday.