Conte warns of ‘real danger’ against Arsenal

Antonio Conte has warned that Chelsea cannot afford to be complacent in the FA Cup final – and has claimed that Arsenal are favourites.

The newly-crowned champions ended their season with a 5-1 win against Sunderland, while Arsenal missed out on the top four.

But Blues boss Conte is keen for his players to quickly turn their focus to this weekend’s game at Wembley, where a victory would secure the Double.

He said: “This is the danger; honestly, the real danger is to think that the season is finished and if you win or lose it doesn’t change the season. We must think like a winner, not a loser.

“It is important to celebrate, but then I will push hard to explain that this season is a great season because we won the league but it can become a fantastic season if we are able to win the FA Cup.

“It is important for us to find the right motivation – the fire in our soul to be ready and feel this game in the right way. For the club it is a great opportunity to win and do the Double.”

And Conte believes Arsenal’s failure to secure a Champions League spot will give them extra motivation.

“If you ask me who is the favourite, now it is Arsenal,” Conte said.

“Now this is the only possibility for Arsenal to find a good season, and for this reason why must pay great attention. We must prepare in the right way.”