Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists finishing fourth this season would be a success.

Chelsea head into their clash against Stoke 16 points behind league leaders Manchester City.

But there are just six points between Manchester United in second and Arsenal in sixth.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's match against the Potters, he said: "I think, in this league, to finish in the top four will always be a successful season.

"This is the only league to have six top teams to fight every season for the title. And then there are only four places for the Champions League and two for the Europa League.

"But it's normal when your competitors are doing so well, like Manchester City... it's very difficult to think about fighting until the end for the title. But, at the same time, we must try to fight in every game, for the three points and to give satisfaction to the fans, and to give everything."

He added: "I think we have a game that is very difficult against Stoke City. As you remember well, last season, in the same period, we suffered a lot to beat them at home. I remember very well the game. We must pay great attention.

"I think we have to go game by game. It's normal when you have to play every two days that I have to make rotations and give a bit of rest to the players playing every game."