Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has cast doubt on whether Chelsea can win this season's Premier League (PL) title, saying that it is difficult for Antonio Conte to guide the side to glory in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
"I think it depends what is the goal of the club. If the goal of the club is to win the Premier League, it will be difficult," Ancelotti was quoted as saying by goal.com.
"But if the goal of the club is to build a new group, to build a new idea of football, to build a new strategy, I think that Conte has a lot of opportunity to do well at this club," he added.
The former Chelsea manager, however, expected his fellow Italian to eventually perform well in the league clash against Manchester United on Sunday.
Conte has been tasked with winning silverware at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea saw the departure of Jose Mourinho and an eventual 10th-place finish on the back of their resounding Premier League success the season prior.
Ancelotti, who himself was sacked a year after winning the Premier League and FA Cup in 2010, insisted that every manager needs time to showcase results.
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The Italian, however, admitted that Conte is extremely professional and, therefore, he expects him to do a good job at Chelsea in the coming future.
"Conte was my captain at Juventus. He was so professional and I think he is the same as a manager. I don't know him really well as a manager but I know his character and his personality and he is really focused on his job and I'm sure in the end he's going to do a good job at Chelsea," he added.
Chelsea are currently standing at fifth spot, having five wins from eight games they have played so far.