Antonio Conte says the Chelsea board are 'trying their best' to improve the team

Antonio Conte has reiterated how hard the Chelsea board are working to sign more players before the close of the summer transfer window.

Conte has overseen the acquisitions of four players since the end of the 2016-17 campaign, with Alvaro Morata arriving from Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger signing from Roma, Tiemoue Bakayoko coming from Monaco and Willy Caballero securing a free transfer from Manchester City.

But the players who have either left on permanent transfers or loan deals meant Conte was left severely short when he took his Chelsea team to play Tottenham at Wembley on Sunday.

After overseeing a 2-1 win, however, Conte admitted the Chelsea board - who are believed to be preparing a second bid for Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater - are "trying their best" to ensure the champions have a strong enough squad this season.

After being asked about the expenditure of both Manchester clubs, Conte told reporters at Wembley: "For us, it's very important we only focus on ourselves.

"We know very well that a lot of teams improved if you compare with last season. But also, don't forget that this team was very strong last season.

"[Manchester United and Manchester City] They invested a lot last season. And also invested again this season. But we have to concentrate on ourselves.

"It's not important if we are not favourites in this league. It was the same last season. We know we are trying to improve our team, our squad, and the club is trying to do its best in the transfer market to try and improve the team and the squad.

"But I repeat I'm very happy when I see this type of game. I'm not speaking about football, but this spirit, this heart, this desire. I must be satisfied because my players gave me everything today. They did the same last season.

"This season we started with the first half not so good against Burnley but, in the second half, they showed me again a great spirit. We tried to change the final result and scored two goals with 10 men and nine men.

"We have to continue to consider there are great difficulties in this season, but the only way we can get through these difficulties is to work."