Southampton vs. Chelsea: Antonio Conte's Key Pre-Match Press Conference Comments

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has talked up the Premier League as the most difficult division in Europe ahead of his side's test against Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. 

The Blues return to Premier League action after suffering a 2-1 derby defeat to West Ham United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, and Conte praised England's spread of power, per ESPN's Miguel Delaney:

Chelsea come into Sunday's meeting having won their last three Premier League matches, and they now sit in fourth, just a point off the summit and six points ahead of the Saints, who are lodged in eighth place.

The west Londoners might have suffered a drop in morale following Wednesday night's defeat, but there were positives to take from the loss, including some tactical changes that could pay dividends in future:

With three teams currently tied for the Premier League lead and Chelsea one of two outfits just a point below, Conte hailed the tightness of things at the peak.

Per the Sun's Tom Sheen, he said: "Now there are five teams very close, but we shouldn’t look at the table. We must be focused on the work on the training pitch and take it game-by-game, step-by-step. It’s important to improve and trust in the work, these are the most important things."

Conte was again a very animated figure during the midweek defeat at the London Stadium, building further on his reputation as an explosive touchline figure.

The Italian even joked he'll need to take an unorthodox route to keeping on top of his health, per Chelsea's official Twitter account:

Despite the loss at West Ham, Conte still wants to make a three-man defence work to his advantage, particularly after signing centre-back David Luiz and left wing-back Marcos Alonso on transfer deadline day.

Per Sheen, the Blues chief elaborated further upon the tactical vision he has for his players in west London:

"

I think [one] win or defeat can change the way we approach a game. [3-4-3] is the right way for the players, it’s a good fit for the team. We’ve found a good balance, we have a good offensive [threat].

We must continue to work in attack and defence. It’s difference when you defend with four than with three. But I’ve seen a lot of positive things. We’re still working hard to improve.

"

Club captain John Terry was to blame for letting West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate head home an explosive opener on Wednesday, but Conte was eager to deflect attention from his ageing central defender.

While the 35-year-old may have had a bad game at the London Stadium, his manager reiterated the value he brings to the squad off the pitch, per Matt McGeehan of the Press Association:

Speaking specifically about Sunday's threat, Conte described Southampton as a "very strong" team due to their offensive strengths, dubbing the fixture "a big test for our [Chelsea's] ambition," per Chelsea's official Twitter account.

Conte also confirmed Branislav Ivanovic will be fit to feature against Southampton, but Cesc Fabregas remains sidelined, adding he has to "take the best decision for the starting XI."