Chelsea
boss Antonio Conte made a veiled criticism of Manchester United and
Manchester City's transfer spending, saying money does not guarantee
success.
Jose Mourinho's United bought Paul Pogba for a world record fee of £89m and
Pep Guardiola's City made big outlays on players such as £50m defender John
Stones in the summer.
Chelsea were third in Premier League spending last summer but will point to
their significantly smaller net spend, given they received big fees for
players including £60m for Oscar, in the past 12 months.
Conte can take the Blues a step closer to the title when they face
Southampton live on Sky Sports on Tuesday night, and was keen to focus on
the financial outlay of City and United, who are 11 and 12 points behind his
side respectively.
"This season it's very important to understand that it's not always about
who spends more money who wins," Conte added.
"This season isn't the only season both Manchester clubs have spent a lot of
money. Look at the past."
"[We want] to build, also, slowly slowly to become a real power."
Conte believes winning the Premier League title in his first season at
Chelsea would represent his greatest achievement in management.
A win over Southampton would restore a seven-point lead over nearest rivals
Tottenham, who face Crystal Palace 24 hours later.
Conte's Chelsea have a four-point advantage with six games to go, but beat
Spurs 4-2 on Saturday to reach the FA Cup final with Arsenal and keep alive
prospects of a double.
Asked if clinching the Premier League would be his best achievement,
multiple Serie A winner Conte said: "Yes, for sure. For me, for the players,
for the club.
"To win the title in England is a great achievement. To win in England these
days is not easy.
"Now it's a good season. To become a great or fantastic season there is only
one way: to try to win."
top