Chelsea
head coach Antonio Conte admits he admires Manchester City boss Pep
Guardiola who is a "great coach".
City lead fifth-placed Chelsea, the Premier League holders, by 22 points
ahead of Sunday's Sky Live clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Conte expects City to build on their impressive second season under
Guardiola, contrasting the situation with his own at Chelsea, where the
Italian appears to be on the brink of a summer exit.
"I don't like people to envy the other person," Conte said.
"I have great admiration because they found the right way to be strong for a
long time, to have successful seasons for a long time, from now until I
don't know."
Conte, who has rued Chelsea's transfer activity since last summer, insists
City's success is not solely about finance.
"Manchester City is not the only club to spend a lot of money," the Italian
added.
"There is a great coach, great players. And then there is the possibility to
spend a lot of money and have the same ambition of the coach. This is the
fantastic result for Manchester City."
Chelsea are at risk of missing out on Champions League football next term,
falling into the Europa League or being absent from European competition
altogether.
Conte revived Chelsea from 10th place in 2015-16 to champions last season
when the Blues were absent from continental competition.
Yet he insists anyone who believes a similar absence, which would allow more
preparation time for domestic fixtures, will bridge the gap with City is
dreaming.
He said: "Do you think it could be enough, to win again the title? If you
think this, I think you are a dreamer.
"When I arrived here the club didn't play the Champions League, Europa
League, if you remember two years ago. Life goes on."
Conte is not looking beyond the immediate future, with the City clash
followed by games with Crystal Palace, Barcelona and Leicester.
"The club, I think has the same ambition in this moment: to be focused on
the present and not to look too far (ahead)," he said.
"For sure it's a moment very crucial for us. These two weeks are very
important for us."
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