Conte in cash dig

ANTONIO CONTE last told rival bosses Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola: Money doesn’t buy you titles.

In a clear dig at the Manchester United and Manchester City managers, Conte (above) claimed if it came down to spending, then their two teams should be the ones battling for the title.

Conte, whose Chelsea side top the table, said: “I think this season it’s very important to understand that it’s not always who spends more

money who wins. Otherwise, in this league this season, the name of the team (who would win the title) wasn’t Chelsea or Tottenham or Arsenal or Liverpool.

“This season isn’t the only season the Manchester clubs have spent a lot of money. Look at the past. It’s normal.” Both Manchester clubs have each splashed in the region of £150m on new players this season.

But they face a crunch derby on Thursday where a defeat for either side would cast huge doubts over them qualifying for the Champions League.

Conte expects further heavy investment in players by Mourinho and Guardiola in the summer as they bid to make up ground on Chelsea.

“Like every year,” added Conte. “Every season they spend a lot of money.”

Conte critics will point out the Blues also spent big for this season, paying around £110m for new players. But they recouped £60m with the sale of Oscar to Shanghai SPIG.

Conte added: “It’s right every team does what they think is best for them if they think this is the right way to win the title.”

Chelsea can go seven points clear at the top tonight with a home win over Southampton.