Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that current boss Antonio Conte will not win the Premier League title this year, andinsists his role is to instead build a 'new group'.
The Italian coach, now with Bayern Munich following Pep Guardiola's departure to Manchester City, has a special place in his heart for the Blues after winning the league and FA Cup double with the club in 2010, but Ancelotti believes that Conte's aim should not be immediate success, but instead develop a squad in his own style.
Speaking to theDaily Mailof his experience of Conte when he wascaptain of Juventus during Ancelotti's reignat the Serie A side, he said: "Conte was my captain at Juventus.
"He was so professional and I think he is the same as a manager. I don't know him really well as a manager but I know his character and his personality and he is really focused on his job and I'm sure in the end he's going to do a good job at Chelsea."
"If the goal of the club is to win the Premier League, it will be difficult.
Carlo Ancelotti exclusive: If Chelsea's goal is to win the title, it will be difficulthttps://t.co/VnpMGfG1Vf
"But if the goal of the club is to build a new group, to build a new idea of football, to build a new strategy, I think that Conte has a lot of opportunity to do well at this club."
Ancelotti then added: "Every manager needs time,"before adding: "But I don't think we have a lot of time."
Conte is preparing to welcome Jose Mourinho's Manchester United to Stamford Bridge for the Premier League clash on Sunday, where a win would take the Blues into the top four.