Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has offered a thinly-veiled criticism of Manchester United and Manchester City, claiming that money does not guarantee success in the Premier League.
The Blues spent £123m during the summer transfer window but were outspent by both United, who brought four players including world record signing Paul Pogba for a combined £149m, and City, whose £174m expenditure included £50m on defender John Stones.
However it is Conte’s men who top the table, with the Manchester sides scrapping it out for a top four berth. Even Chelsea’s closest rivals Tottenham are proving that you don’t have to spend big to make a splash in the Premier League.
“This season it's very important to understand that it's not always about who spends more money who wins,” Conte said.
“This season isn't the only season both Manchester clubs have spent a lot of money. Look at the past.
“It's right for them to do this, to reinforce their teams, if they think this is the right way to win the title.
“[But] every single club decides their own strategy.”
In Pictures | Chelsea vs Tottenham | 22/04/17
Though Chelsea have certainly faced accusations of buying success in the past through billionaire owner Roman Abramovich they appear to have lived within their means in recent years. Even after spending over £100m in the summer the Stamford Bridge coffers have been swollen with significant outgoings, most notably the £60m sale of Oscar to Shanghai SIPG in December.
