Antonio previews Chelsea

Belief is key as we prepare to face Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (4.30pm), but, as Antonio Conte points out, belief alone is not enough.

“Our last result showed, in football, you have to believe, always,” said Antonio, speaking to us after training on Friday and referring to Wednesday night’s thrilling 3-2 win at Leicester City.

“At the same time, you have to show desire, will, resilience and a will to work. Belief is not enough, you have to match belief with your desire, your work and your will to improve. If we do this, belief will improve game by game.”

A look at the table and we’re all starting to believe. The late, late Stevie Bergwijn-inspired win at the KP took us up to fifth place, a point behind West Ham in fourth with three games in hand, and eight behind the Blues in third, but with four games in hand.

Antonio added: “We have to know there are 19 games to go in this league and we have to be prepared for every game and to play with great intensity, with courage, to be brave, to try to play and get three points in every game. Then you know that the level in this league is very high. But, at the same time, we are trying to improve game by game.”

We renew acquaintances having played Thomas Tuchel’s men twice earlier this month in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Chelsea won that tie 3-0 on aggregate but, in the league, they’re on a run of one win in the last seven.

“We have to know very well that we are playing against a really strong team,” said Antonio. “Don’t forget, Chelsea won the Champions League last season and, in the last two games, they have beaten us.

“We want to go and try to play our game, and, after these (last) two games, to learn something more and to be more prepared to play against Chelsea. We know they are an important team, and they are good, but we want to play well and get the best possible result.”

Meanwhile, Antonio shared his delight at the news that Hugo Lloris has signed a new deal at the Club, announced on Friday morning.

“It’s good news for the Club, for Hugo, for the fans, for the whole environment at Tottenham,” he said. “We are talking about a player who is a point of reference at this Club, this team and for the players. He’s our captain and the Club showed trust in him with a two-year contract, and I think he deserved this. I consider Hugo one of the best goalkeepers in the world and it’s a pleasure to have him in our squad."