Antonio Conte won't see out three-year Chelsea deal claim football panel

Chelsea will be looking to put one hand on the Premier League trophy when they take on Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

Meanwhile Boro, who have lost 17 of their 35 league fixtures this term, headed into the weekend six points adrift of safety in the bottom three, with only three games remaining of the season.

Chelsea FC is now flying high in the English Premier League this season, and the clubs charismatic coach Antonio Conte has been able to extract the very best out of his key players throughout this campaign.

'But don't forget that Tottenham dropped out at the first group stage of the Champions League, and then dropped out in the first game in the Europa League. If you consider our games and theirs, there is a difference of what, eight games?

"When you arrive at the end of the season, we must find the right solution for all the teams when you prepare the fixtures, and to have also in consideration if someone is playing in the Champions League or the Europa League".

He said: "We've had to win matches for a number of weeks, so the players are used to that pressure".

But a few hours before Spurs lost, ending the title race, Conte argued at his press conference that in fact his job was harder than Mauricio Pochettino's this season.

"I think this time next year he could go, but Chelsea managers coming in and out of the door, it works for them and it works for Chelsea". It would take a remarkable Chelsea collapse for them not to win the title from here.

Conte has enjoyed a superb first season at Chelsea

"Then, if you are happy or unhappy, I don't care".

The Italian tactician is well on course to deliver a Premier League title in his first season in charge in west London, while he could yet complete a domestic double with the FA Cup.

"They've been excellent. They play with a back three and lots of attacking players".

"For me, Tottenham are a really strong team and it's normal to see them fighting for the title", Conte said.

Those chastening results have been heralded as the turning point in Chelsea's season as Conte switched to his preferred three-man defensive system and the Blues immediately reeled off 13 consecutive league wins.

"Only this great season (from us) is pushing them to fight and, maybe, to win or not to win the title. But, I repeat, Tottenham's position for me is more advanced if you compare Tottenham's to Chelsea".

This was anticipated to be the most competitive of Premier League seasons with United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all expected to maintain title challenges.