Thibaut Courtois hails Antonio Conte for giving Chelsea an ‘extra quality’ for this season’s title charge

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Simon Johnson22 August 2016

Thibaut Courtois believes Antonio Conte's intense fitness regime is already helping Chelsea's title bid get off to the perfect start.

Chelsea have won their first two league games 2-1 through late goals from Diego Costa, who scored in the 89th and 87th minute to beat West Ham and Watford respectively.

On both occasions, Conte's men finished the stronger and it means they are matching the pace set by Manchester United and Manchester City at the top of the table.

Conte made improving the squad's physical shape one of his main priorities when he officially took over last month. The Italian has organised regular double training sessions and clamped down on the players' diet.

Courtois feels Chelsea are already reaping the benefits and told Standard Sport: "We did a lot of physical work in pre-season and it means the players are ready to fight to the last minute for victories.

"In the Watford game and West Ham match as well, maybe we were able to run more at a high intensity until the end of the game.

"It's important to be able to do that in the Premier League. It is an extra quality to have. You see at the end of matches that teams have gaps because they can't cope with all the running. But we can cope - that is good.

"To win games late like we have done twice now is an asset to have. Obviously we hope to win games more easily, but when you win matches like this it tastes very good.

"It also usually means you are at the top of the table. I'm not saying we are going to be champions yet, but these victories mean that you can be there fighting for the title.

"If you want to win the League, it starts with winning difficult games like we did at Watford. We showed some great character."

Chelsea's fast start means they are in the top four - a position they weren't in at any point last term - and remain level with the two title favourites Manchester City and Manchester United.

Courtois added: "It's very nice to be in the top four again, even though it has just been two games.

"It also means we are not playing catch up to Manchester United or Manchester City early on."

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