Conte willing to risk curse of title winners

LONDON: Antonio Conte would happily expose himself to the curse of the Premier League title winners if it means Chelsea are crowned English champions this season.

Claudio Ranieri was sacked by Leicester on Thursday less than nine months after masterminding his club’s incredible title triumph.

The Italian isn’t the only recent English title winning boss to be axed not long after his moment of glory however.

Jose Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in December 2015, seven months after winning the Premier League.

“First of all I think that it’s important to finish this season in the best way and if we are able to reach this dream - for me, for the players - I’m ready to face this risk,” Conte told reporters on Friday.

“There are 13 games until the end of the season and we want to stay at the top of the table. It won’t be easy, but I’m ready to take this risk (if it) means we won the league.”