Conte lifted the FA Cup with Chelsea in May
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has urged Tottenham to maintain their push for a place in the top four after arriving back in London following their impressive 3-0 victory over Arsenal.
Tottenham’s win, which came after the first game of the season was abandoned because of the soggy pitch, lifted them to joint leaders with Manchester City, and also cut Chelsea’s lead to two points in the Premier League.
“Tottenham deserve a lot of credit because they played very well to beat Arsenal 3-0,” said the Italian.
“Now they have to continue to work and continue to try to win the points.”
Media playback is not supported on this device Conte praises ‘brilliant’ Jones at Arsenal
Chelsea suffered another defeat in their first game at Watford, going down 2-1 despite having the better of possession.
A wonderful winner from Juan Mata put the Blues ahead at Vicarage Road, but Troy Deeney’s 52nd-minute equaliser and Craig Cathcart’s first goal of the season 13 minutes from time gave the Hornets the win.
Conte called for one of the players who fluffed his lines in that game to be removed from the squad before Thursday’s trip to Slovakia for the opening of their Champions League qualifying campaign.
Riyad Mahrez appears to be that player, having been called up for a training-ground meeting by his manager, but Conte has tipped the Algeria international to be a success at Leicester.
“I think Leicester bought Mahrez to play in the national team, to play at international level,” he said.
“He played in the national team against France – why didn’t he play against the [Ligue 1] champions? I don’t know. It was a mistake.
“I don’t say, ‘Riyad don’t play for Leicester anymore’. Leicester is a great club and it’s important to give other options to Mahrez to play because this season he is new to the Premier League. It’s important to play regularly, and also for his confidence.”