Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has urged Blues fans not to expect fireworks next season in the Champions League.
Chelsea last won the Champions League in 2012, their only triumph in the competition, but they have always been there and about, within inches of winning at times.
After missing out on a spot in qualifying two seasons ago, the Blues produced a fine recovery to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Chelsea also placed 10th the season after winning the Premier League title in 2015, but Conte did well to restore the pride of the West London side with a good finish in the English top flight as Champions last season.
The manager who returned them to the crème de la crème of European football, Antonio Conte explains his side are only building for the future and may not be able to compete for the title next season as other European rivals like Bayern Munich.
I am excited to play in the Champions League with Chelsea, but I know we have a lot of road ahead before we can compete to try to win the Champions League. We are trying to rebuild a situation and it’s not easy. You need a bit of time to create a structure and to build every season and then to go to fight.
Against Bayern Munich, it is very clear, no? We played against a very strong team and don’t forget they had (David) Alaba and (Juan) Bernat on the bench. And seven players at home: (Arjen) Robben, (Joshua) Kimmich, (Arturo) Vidal, Thiago Alcantara, (Manuel) Neuer, (Jerome) Boateng and another strong player.
This is the reality and it is always important to know the reality and then to try and work and try to improve.
Antonio Conte, Evening Standard
Chelsea were beaten by Bayern and Inter Milan in their Asia preseason tour and are still looking to add to their squad after several of their players departed the club this summer.
Conte is eyeing Alex Sandro of Juventus as compeition for Marcos Alonso as well as Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches.
