Friday 30 December 2016 15:00, UK
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says it is far too early to say the Premier League title is theirs to lose.
Conte was responding to comments made by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who said on Friday morning that the Blues were "super-favourites" to win the Premier League this season.
Chelsea are currently six points clear of second-placed Liverpool, having embarked on a remarkable 12-match League winning spree since losing to the Gunners back in September.
But, speaking ahead of Stoke's visit on Saturday, Conte said Chelsea's title rivals have plenty of time to recover the deficit.
"Twelve wins in a row is a great achievement but it is not enough to win the league at this point of the season," he said.
"At the start of the season, not one coach, not one person, not one journalist trusted in this team to fight for the title in this league.
"I am pleased that the opinion is changing but I am a bit worried because, when the opinion changes quickly, you must pay attention.
"We have only six points more than the second team [Liverpool], and seven from the third team [Manchester City].
"It's a long way before we arrive at the end of the season but I am pleased if someone is changing his opinion."
Chelsea could be major players in the transfer window following the £60m sale of Oscar to Chinese side Shanghai SIPG, but Conte says they will only enter the market if young players who are already on the books fail to deliver.
"It is important also to work with this type of player and to try to find the right solution at home," said Conte.
"Then, if it is not possible, it is important to look around and to find a new solution.
"For sure, we sold Oscar and we have money to spend, but it is important to spend money in the right way.
"In January it's always very difficult to buy. To spend only to spend money, I don't like this."
