Antonio Conte demands urges board to spend to keep pace with high-flying Manchester City

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte reckons the secret behind Manchester City’s flying success is simple – money.

The Blues chief hailed Pep Guardiola’s work over the summer – adding that the Citizens could get even better with the January window approaching.

And after seeing his side slip to 11 points behind City following a 1-1 draw with Liverpool, the Italian is desperate for more funds.

Conte, 48, said: “Manchester City’s path is incredible, no?

“I think Manchester City in this season is a strong team. Also last season, Manchester City was a fantastic team. Then, after the transfer market, they bought their first targets and then they have improved a lot.

“They can do this also in January maybe, in the future. For this reason we must be worried because if we want to compete with Manchester City we have to work and then make the best decisions in the transfer market.”

Chelsea’s top transfer targets include Alex Sandro, Ciro Immobile, Radja Nainggolan and Jamie Vardy.

Conte was angry at a lack of spending over the summer as he sought to strengthen his title-winning squad.

And he claimed depth had been an issue after a series of midfield injuries.

Conte added: “I think when you play every three days it’s very difficult but every coach tries to make the best decision for his team.

“It’s important to have rotation otherwise you risk having players who are very tired, in this case Cesc.

“He’s played every game from the start of the season because don’t forget, Bakayoko and Drinkwater were injured.

“We played in China and Singapore with just Kante and Cesc, and then N’Golo was injured but Cesc continued to play.

“He played every game, and played very well in every game, so I took this decision and it was important because when you give a new player this type of chance, in a big game, it shows the coach trusts all of his players. I can count on Drinkwater.”