Chelsea manager Antonio Conte believes that there are five other clubs still capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season in what promises to be one of the most competitive races to the finish in recent memory.
Chelsea hit first place in the table on Sunday evening for the first time since lifting the trophy in May 2015 after Conte masterminded a run of six straight wins to catch and overtake the early leaders.
But rather than rest on any laurels, Conte is aware of the fight brewing just below Chelsea.
"It won't be easy," the Italian told Gazzetta Dello Sport when asked if his team could finish the season as champions.
"In the race for the title there are six teams. One will win, another three will go into the Champions League and the last two in the Europa League," he added.
"This Premier League is possibly the most difficult ever. We have to take on Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United.
"There isn't a League in the world with this level of quality. I want to show the club they've done well to focus on Antonio Conte for the next three years. That's even more important than titles."
Chelsea have scored 17 goals and conceded none in their rise back to the summit, grinding out a more difficult result against Middlesbrough this weekend after blowing away both Everton and Manchester United in other recent games.
Next up for Conte is a clash against one of the challengers he named when Tottenham make the short trip across London to play at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. An away game against Manchester City will follow just a week later.
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