Manchester clubs have the best two squads in the Premier League claims Antonio Conte

The Chelsea manager made the comment rather quietly and while praising Jose Mourinho’s side generally, having also rejected the very idea of ‘mind games’ just minutes previously

Antonio Conte believes the two Manchester clubs have the best squads in the league (Getty)

Antonio Conte claims the two Manchester clubs have the “best squads” in the Premier League, ahead of United’s trip to Stamford Bridge for their FA Cup sixth round tie on Monday.

While the Chelsea manager made the comment rather quietly and while praising Jose Mourinho’s side generally, having also rejected the very idea of ‘mind games’ just minutes previously, the wonder is also whether that very comment could be perceived as exactly that.

Conte made specific reference to the size of their squad, and one inference could be that both City and United are under-performing - or, at the very least, that Chelsea are currently over-performing in contrast.

The Italian had been asked about how United are unbeaten in the league since their 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in October.

“Yes, but in October, before the game, I was sure we'd face a great team. The same now. I think Manchester United, with City, have the best squad in the league. They have a lot, a number of great players with great talent and great experience to win.

"For sure, it can be a really tough game, for us and for them. I think that now, for us, it's better. In October we didn't know our future. Now we are in March and we stay on top of the table. We have a good identity, a good team. So we are showing good football.

"But, for sure, it will be a really tough game against United. We are facing a good team, very strong.”

Conte was quick to remind everyone his side have won nothing yet, however, when asked about the possibility of a league and FA Cup double.

“First of all, we have to win [on Monday]. “We have to win. Now it's very difficult to say this because I think we need 24 points to be sure to win the title. There are 11 games to go. For us, it's important to go game by game in the league, in the championship, but also in the FA Cup. Now we have the FA Cup on Monday, a really tough game. We want to get into the next round, but we all know this game will be very difficult. But we want to try and go into the next round. Then we'll see. Until now, we didn't win anything. Nothing.”