Conte trusts his prize guys

Boss confident Blues possess the pedigree to finish title job

LONDON, England - Antonio Conte believes Chelsea's title-winning experience two years ago will prove decisive as it closes on another Premier League crown.

A 3-1 victory over Swansea on Saturday gave Conte's side an 11-point lead as it heads into the final third of the season, with the pressure firmly on the chasing pack, led by Manchester City and Tottenham.

The league trophy will head back to Stamford Bridge if Chelsea avoids any major slips, and Blues manager Conte is convinced his players, many of whom won the title during Jose Mourinho's reign, can hold their nerve.

Cesc Fabregas celebrates after netting Chelsea's opener in his 300th Premier League appearance as the Blues ran out 3-1 winners over Swansea City at Stamford Bridge in London on Saturday. Kirsty Wigglesworth / Associated Press

"It's not easy to keep the concentration for the whole championship. But I have a lot of players who played and won in the past," said Conte.

"They know very well the way that we must continue to try to keep at the top of the table, to try and win the title.

"For this reason, I'm lucky. I'm lucky to have a lot of players who, in the past, won a lot.

"If, sometimes, I can see some of them relaxing, it's right for me to try and help them be focused for every moment.

"But, honestly, it wasn't necessary for me to keep the concentration and focus of the players."

Chelsea appeared in danger of dropping points when Fernando Llorente canceled out Cesc Fabregas' 19th-minute opener.

However, Pedro and Diego Costa scored in the final 18 minutes to secure the points.

Conte was pleased with how Chelsea stuck to its task and added: "I have a team that until now has deserved to stay at the top of the table. This is right to say now.

"We are playing good football, with good intensity, scoring a lot of goals.

"Trust me, I'm very happy above all for my players. They are deserving of this. Every day I see them during the training sessions, the commitment and behavior."

Absolutely Fab

Fabregas was recalled to Chelsea's starting XI in place of Nemanja Matic.

Spanish playmaker Fabregas marked his 300th Premier League appearance with a well-taken strike before hitting the crossbar after the break, and the creativity he brought to midfield was another major plus for Conte.

"Cesc played a really good game, but it's important for me to have these solutions and to understand when we need to have a player with more quality on the ball, and to lose something in height," he said.

"I consider Nemanja a top player, and also (N'Golo) Kante, but also Fabregas. He's a really good player.

"I'm really pleased to see him in this form despite not starting the last game in the league. This is the right way to continue."

Swansea boss Paul Clement was sure his team should have had a second-half penalty when Cesar Azpilicueta handled.

However, Clement is confident the Swans, who are just three points above the relegation zone, can beat the drop.

"You never want to lose a game, but the performance doesn't damage our confidence. We've had some really difficult away games and picked up some good home results," he said.

"The month of March is vital: Burnley, Hull, Bournemouth and Middlesbrough, all teams around us."

Agence France-Presse

Ranieri's feel good farewell

Claudio Ranieri said he felt "good" after visiting Leicester City's training ground on Saturday to say farewell to his former players and staff.

Ranieri visited the club's Belvoir Drive headquarters to clean out his office on Friday following his shock dismissal 24 hours earlier.

But the Italian was unable to say goodbye to the players who helped him become a Leicester legend during last season's incredible Premier League title-winning campaign because they were on a day off.

So he returned on Saturday to have a last meeting with the squad.

"I just say thank you to the fans. They are fantastic. Thank you," Ranieri said when questioned by Sky Sports News as he drove away from the training base.

"I feel good now because of what we achieved in Leicester. I hope it will happen again, but it will be very difficult."

Asked if it was an emotional meeting with his players, Raneiri said it was "normal".

Leicester's Thai owners pulled the trigger on Ranieri following a run of five straight losses that plunged the club into a relegation dogfight.

Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday pushed Leicester into the bottom three ahead of the visit of Liverpool on Monday, when caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare will take charge.

Ranieri's predecessor, Nigel Pearson, has been linked with the Leicester vacancy, while former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, who played for the Foxes, and ex-Chelsea chief Guus Hiddink are also said to be in the running.

A positive result against Liverpool could push Shakespeare into the frame, too.