Conte admits Chelsea should not be favourites

Antonio Conte says Chelsea’s doubters are right not to rate them among the favourites to win this season’s Premier League.

Despite winning the title in his first season in English football and earning a new £9.6 million-a-year contract, the Chelsea head coach has cut a downbeat figure ahead of the campaign.

Chelsea kick off against Burnley today with Conte still frustrated both by the club’s failure to make more signings and by the decision to allow Nemanja Matic to join title rivals Manchester United.

Last season’s top goalscorer Diego Costa remains in exile in Brazil, with his departure now complicated by a legal dispute between the striker and the club. Eden Hazard, Pedro and Tiemoue Bakayoko are injured.

“Honestly, if you have to give your evaluation, it’s right not to put Chelsea to be a favourite,” said Conte. “It was the same last season. Not one person believed Chelsea would win the title. This season, in this moment, I agree with these people who think this. I am not looking for any sympathy.”

Michy Batshuayi is primed to lead the attack against Burnley, with new signing Alvaro Morata admitting he needs time to adapt to Conte’s methods.

Youngsters Jeremie Boga and Charly Musonda are also competing for a place in the front three.

“I think this is a great possibility for Michy,” said Conte. “Alvaro is working very well and is improving a lot in these last 10 days.”