Conte: This season proves the scale of Chelsea's achievements

Antonio Conte says Chelsea's challenges this season demonstrate the scale of the achievement in his first campaign as boss, when the Blues won the Premier League title.

The Italian also said Chelsea must decide the "moment" they are in after again hinting at his season-long frustrations with the club hierarchy over recruitment.

Speaking before Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at Leicester, Conte said: "Don't forget this season has confirmed one thing: that last season we did an incredible achievement."

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Conte revived a Chelsea side which finished 10th the previous season, under Jose Mourinho and then interim successor Guus Hiddink, to become champions the following campaign.

The Italian warned of a possible repeat of a "Mourinho season" before this season began, but, although tumultuous at times, Chelsea are still in contention for a top-four place in the Premier League and remain in the FA Cup.

Conte's position has been the subject of speculation for much of this campaign.

He signed a new contract after the title success, but only improved terms, not an extension to the deal which runs until June 2019.

And he has continually grumbled about recruitment, suggesting Chelsea missed an opportunity to build on his first season's success, after the departures of many long-time first-team players.

Conte said: "If you want to improve, to become strong, to accelerate this progress, you have to buy great players.

"For me the most important thing is to work very hard, to try to improve the club and the players. Then to understand the moment of the club.

"If you understand the right moment of the club, you can judge in the best way.

"If you are able to win something, it's good. But you have to understand which is your moment, which is your position in this moment, which is your level in this moment.