Angry Conte sings the Blues

– Antonio Conte (above) summed up a frustrating summer at Stamford Bridge when he cast doubt on Chelsea’s ability to defend the Premier League title unless the champions find a quick solution to their transfer woes.

Crowned kings of England just three months ago, Conte’s side open their campaign at home to Burnley today arguably in worse shape than when they paraded the Premier League trophy in front of their jubilant fans in May.

Since then, Serb midfielder Nemanja Matic has been sold to Manchester United and Spain striker Diego Costa has been told he has no future at the club following his text message feud with Conte.

John Terry’s influence in the dressing-room has gone following the veteran defender’s move to second-tier Aston Villa, while the squad has been further depleted by the loss of a number of fringe players including Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma.

In their place have come Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, Roma defender Antonio Rudiger and Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

But Conte, angered by Chelsea’s failure to land top targets Romelu Lukaku and Alex Sandro, has made it clear he expected more.

Defeat to Arsenal on penalties in last weekend’s Community Shield reinforced the sense that, while their main rivals are all stronger, Chelsea are in danger of being left behind.

Conte has already spoken of the need to avoid a “Mourinho season”, a reference to the dismal campaign under the former manager that followed Chelsea’s last title triumph in 2015.

It doesn’t help Conte’s mood that French star Bakayoko is currently out with a knee injury following Matic’s exit. – AFP