Antonio Conte Questions Chelsea Ambition Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte on Friday hinted he doesn't believe the Blues' ambitions match his own in the transfer market.

The Premier League champions have endured a disappointing start to 2018, as they face an uphill struggle to progress in the UEFA Champions League and have slipped out of the Premier League's top four.

Things don't get any easier for the Blues, either, as they face league leaders Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. When asked what's so crucial to City's success, Conte made it clear investment in the transfer market has been key, per Dominic Fifield of the Guardian:

"I have great ambition but I don't have money for Chelsea. The club knows very well what is my idea, what is my ambition. That is very clear. When you decide to work with this type of coach, you must understand that you take a coach with great ambition. Not a loser but a winner. And that ambition must always be shared."

As journalist Jack Rathborn noted, it was clear the Blues boss was seeking to draw a contrast between his side and City:

In this fixture last season, Chelsea put themselves forward as the strongest team in the division, as they produced a tremendous counter-attacking display to beat City 3-1. This year, they go to the Etihad Stadium 22 points behind the Premier League leaders with 10 gameweeks remaining.

While the Blues have performed well in the main throughout 2017-18, their season has fallen flat in recent weeks.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Losses to Watford and Bournemouth rocked the team, while decent performances against Barcelona and Manchester United didn't end in victories. With Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur playing on Saturday, Chelsea could find themselves seven points off third and five points off fourth come kick-off at the Etihad Stadium.

As we can see here, courtesy of Sky Sports Statto, City have typically relished games against the rest of the Premier League's elite this season:

Per Fifield, although Conte has another year left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, this season is expected to the Italian's last at Chelsea because his "fractious relationship with the board has provided an unsettling backdrop" to the campaign.

Fifield also noted the Blues have spent significantly since winning the title last season, with eight players arriving for a cumulative £240 million. The most expensive signing was Alvaro Morata, who has not found the net in his past 10 games.

Liam Twomey of ESPN FC discussed the Spain international's struggles:

City have had an extraordinary campaign, and any team in the division would find it tough to keep pace with them. Nevertheless, Conte clearly feels as though his club could have done more to keep in closer contact to the Pep Guardiola's side.

Based on his disgruntlement and the lingering speculation about his future, it would be a big surprise if the Italian were in place to spend Chelsea's transfer funds in the summer.