Chelsea eight wins away from league title, says Conte

Leaders Chelsea, who are yet to face four other teams from the top seven, appear to be running away with the league title as they sit 10 points above the chasing pack but Conte was not thinking too far ahead.

(Reuters)

"Now I think we need 24 points to win the league. It's important for us to go game-by-game without looking forward," Conte told reporters.

Conte played down reports suggesting he was stalling over a new contract in the hope of gaining more control of transfers.

"For now it is important for me and the players to be focused on the present to reach our target. I repeat I'm very happy to be Chelsea's coach," the Italian added.

"Honestly I have a good relationship. When I need something I speak with the club and we find always to try and find the right solution. Always together."

Midfielder N'Golo Kante, who joined from Leicester City last year, has had a stellar debut campaign at Chelsea and is being touted to win the player of the year award.

"He is a young player but he can improve a lot. Without the ball I think he is incredible. He is able to cover a lot of ground, to recover to play the ball," Conte said.

(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)