Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says title race is a 50-50 battle

[greeNZ]

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte blamed himself for the defeat at Manchester United, and says there is now a 50-50 battle for the title.

The Blues came undone in a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, as goals from Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera secured the three points for Jose Mourinho's men.

Conte told Sky Sports: "I think they deserved to win. They showed more desire than us and more motivation, but in this case the fault is with the coach.

"In this case I wasn't able to transfer the right motivation to play this type of game."

 

Chelsea have a favourable run-in compared to Tottenham, but with the gap now at just four points Conte claimed that the title race has become a 50-50 tussle.

"We lost two games. The two games were totally different - we didn't deserve to lose against [Crystal] Palace - today we deserved to lose. There are six finals until now and the end. The league is open. We have a 50 per cent probability of winning the league.

"The pressure is normal - I prefer to have the pressure rather than not fight for the title and to joke in very moment. We are lucky to have the pressure - last season Chelsea had no pressure as they were 10th place.

"Something important is happening this season. We are doing a quick job, a miracle this season considering the problems last season."

Chelsea's Italian head coach Antonio Conte shouts from the touchline

He added: "I am concerned, we have to work together and find quickly the right desire and ambition to win this title.

"For us it is a fantastic target. For me if we were able to reach this target it would be a miracle. We must understand this and find the right motivation.

"We stay in a great position, but Tottenham are in good form and playing very well and with enthusiasm. We must have the same."