Antonio Conte praises 'extraordinary' Manchester City but refuses to concede defeat in title race

The Italian has not ruled his team out of the running despite sitting 11 points behind Pep Guardiola's side

Antonio Conte has urged his Chelsea side to 'improve' (Getty)

Antonio Conte has admitted that Manchester City are doing something “extraordinary” this season and are on a “great path”, but refused to follow other managers in ruling his team out of the title race.

Chelsea are 11 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side, who are already emulating last season’s champions with an 11-game winning run in the league currently to their name.

Conte gave City due praise ahead of his own team’s match at home to Swansea City on Wednesday, but still maintained an assertive stance.

“First of all, I think that we are trying to do our best,” the Italian said. “We started this season with, I repeat, a lot of problems. We have the points we deserve.

“For sure, there is Manchester City who are doing something extraordinary. To win every game, and draw only one game, that means you are having a great path.

“But the most important thing for us is to look at ourselves and try and improve. From the start of the season we are improving a lot. We are becoming more solid. We are finding different solutions on the tactical aspect. We have to continue in this way, to continue to work, and then to try and do our best.”

Conte said Victor Moses is in contention to play against Swansea but that David Luiz is likely to be absent again through injury.

“Victor Moses is ready, is in contention for tomorrow's game. But, at the same time, I must make the best decision for the team, for every player,” he said. “


 Moses has been absent through injury 
 (AFP/Getty Images)

For sure, Victor is back in from a bad injury and he needs a bit of time to find the best physical condition. But, as you know very well, Victor is an important player for us.

“I can tell you who are the players not available for tomorrow: it's David Luiz, for a knee problem, and [Charly] Musonda. Then [Michy] Batshuayi and Kenedy are trying to find the best form to come back and be fit 100 per cent, to come back.”