Thibaut Courtois reckons Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s gruelling pre-season regime has put them among big boys
Blues have won both their opening games and Belgian insists they've turned a corner after last season's shocking slump
THIBAUT COURTOIS believes Antonio Conte’s gruelling pre-season regime has whipped Chelsea’s flops into shape.
The Blues slumped to a miserable defence of their Premier League crown last season under Jose Mourinho before a revival under Guus Hiddink.
And Courtois, 24, insists new boss Conte must take credit for turning them from chumps to potential champs.
He said:”We did a lot of physical work in preseason and it means the players are ready to fight to the last minute for victories.
“In the Watford game and West Ham match as well, maybe we were able to run more at a high intensity until the end of the game.
“It’s important to be able to do that in the Premier League. It is an extra quality to have. You see at the end of matches that teams have gaps because they can’t cope with all the running. But we can cope – that is good.
“To win games late like we have done twice now is an asset to have. Obviously we hope to win games more easily, but when you win matches like this it tastes very good.
“It also usually means you are at the top of the table. I’m not saying we are going to be champions yet, but these victories mean that you can be there fighting for the title.
“If you want to win the league, it starts with winning difficult games like we did at Watford. We showed some great character.”
Chelsea beat Watford and West Ham in their opening games and sit fourth – a higher position than they managed all last season.
And Courtois – who had been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge – is aware of thew significance.
He added: “It’s very nice to be in the top four again, even though it has just been two games.
“It also means we are not playing catch up to Manchester United or Manchester City early on.”