Buoyant Chelsea extended their Premier League lead to seven points on Tuesday, as goals from Eden Hazard, captain Gary Cahill and two from a buzzing Diego Costa earned them a 4-2 win over Southampton.
Tottenham are four points behind in the league but could be seven back by the time they visit an in-form Crystal Palace side on Wednesday.
Having beaten Spurs in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday, Chelsea's latest win reaffirmed the status of Conte's side as England's team to beat.
"But, for us, this season is very important because we are trying to build something for the present, to put down the foundations, and be stronger for the future".
"Against United, we lost three points and then we had to prepare a semi-final against Tottenham", Conte said. "I don't think that a player like Messi is a selfish player", he told reporters.
"It's good experience for us and we will try our best until the end of the season in the league and try to put pressure on Chelsea".
"To score at the end of the first half was very important".
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Costa is now on a five-match run without a goal in the Premier League; his longest goalless streak in league competition since a six-game run between December 2012 and January 2013 in the Spanish Liga with Atlético de Madrid.
"I always said I'm very pleased with his commitment, his work for the team". After a rampant first season in England in 2014/15 when he scored 20 league goals for Chelsea, Costa was among the players who most openly clashed with then manager Jose Mourinho last season and angry fans booed him after Mourinho was sacked. With an hour remaining and Tottenham, leaders Chelsea's only rivals in the title race, in the ascendancy Conte sent on Hazard and Costa with Willian and Michy Batshuayi making way. We need time. It's not easy when you lose these type of players, but we need to show patience to build the foundations and then improve every season.
"I don't know [if it provides Chelsea with a psychological boost]", added Conte. "I have squad full of great men and good players".
"It's a shame that with the quality of this game we conceded four goals tonight", Puel said. "It was a big boost for us and I'm sure it deflated them".
"It's right for them to do this, to reinforce their teams, if they think this is the right way to win the title".
Asked if they pair would start against Southampton, Conte said: "I have another day to decide our best 11 but I think they're in good condition and good form".
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