Antonio Conte sets points, mentality target for Chelsea for rest of season

Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Stoke City on Saturday ensured that the Blues would stay ten-points clear at the top of the Premier League as we enter the final two months of the season. With ten games remaining, the title is Chelsea’s to lose, that much is clear.

When and where that might become a guarantee is now just a question of simple math. And of course a question of not letting up.

"We have to take 21 points to take the title, otherwise we risk to lose. We have to think positively and take it game by game."

"Now there is an international break and a bit of rest for some of the players, and then we come back to Cobham and it's important to be focused because we have two games at home against Crystal Palace and Manchester City."

Since switching to the 3-4-3 on matchday seven, Chelsea have dropped just seven points in 21 games, and only two points against teams outside of the top six. That streak continued thanks to Gary Cahill’s late winner on Saturday, showing once again the winning mentality re-instilled in the squad by the boss after the troubles of last season.

"This must be Chelsea's mentality. It is a great team and we must play always to win. In this game we showed from the start until the end the will to win the game, not to come here for only one point."

"I think when you want to win the league, it's important not to drop points when you play against teams that are medium or at the bottom. It's important to keep a continuity in the results. This is a winning mentality."

And it’s only the beginning.

"This win is really important and I wanted to share my joy with my players and our fans after a very tough game. My players are understanding my idea of football and they are adapting to my system, my philosophy of football. For sure I think we are building something important."

"I have to thank all my players because they are working hard and they trust in our football, our idea. They are showing me in every game a great commitment, a great will to fight and to show we can win the league. But I think you can improve everything and for sure we must improve."

-Antonio Conte; Source: Chelsea FC

Most of the squad, including key players Eden Hazard and David Luiz now get a chance to heal up nagging injuries thanks to the international break, after which we will be in the home stretch, going game-by-game, week-by-week towards ultimate glory.