CHELSEA ARE FITTER NOW THAN UNDER MOURINHO... MIKEL.

John Obi Mikel admits Chelsea are 'a lot fitter' under Antonio Conte than under Jose Mourinho
The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League last term, having won the league the previous season. This led to the Portuguese being sacked.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has conceded that the Blues' fitness levels were a factor in their disastrous Premier League title defence last season.

Antonio Conte took over at Stamford Bridge over the summer, succeeding caretaker boss Guus Hiddink, and Mikel who starred under the Dutch Coach said that Conte has made the players fitter.

He told Goal: "Yes, I think it played a part last season (not being fit enough). One thing is for sure, the team is a lot fitter this season. A lot of players are going to be much, much fitter and that is only going to help the team.

"[Double sessions] That’s the way he wants to train, that’s his style, that’s his way that he thinks we can win and that he thinks can get Chelsea back to where they belong.

"Obviously, quite a lot was made last year that a lot of the players were not fit, so the club decided to go for someone to make sure we are fit."

Chelsea are currently placed seventh in the table, five points behind leaders - Manchester City.

They host Leicester at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.