Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has played down the supposed lower level of their competition in the Premier League.
Conte was asked if Manchester United and Chelsea being in transition meant a spot in the top four was open for his team.
While Conte believes his side can again qualify for the top four, as they did last term, he laughed off the suggestion that United or Chelsea were in transition.
He stated in a press conference: “I am surprised you are asking about Manchester United and Chelsea being in transition. If Chelsea are in transition after they won the Champions League two years ago and last season they won the Club World Cup.
“United two years ago finished 2nd. If these clubs that can invest a lot of money are in transition, I don't know who are the title contenders? Maybe we have a different vision. It's good to have different opinions.
“In November we were ninth. We were playing Conference League. And you think United and Chelsea are in transition? With Ronaldo, Varane, Sancho, in transition? I hope to be in transition this way. I hope so.
“I have been here 11 months. You can change the coach but when you arrive and you find a group of players that won the Champions League two years ago, last season the Club World Cup for teams, maybe you find an important squad with players that won a lot. In transition for the coaching and the squad are two different situations."