It is latest today that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is expecting an “incredible fight” and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is feeling “more tension” at the same time, at Manchester United, Jose Mourinho is just focusing on the title. Mourinho is not by any means the only top manager with huge ambitions going into the first few days of the Premier League season. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “We want to fight for everything”.
Ranieri, manager of surprise champions Leicester, said on Thursday that there is more risk of aliens arriving in London than the Foxes shielding their title.
Mauricio Pochettino, who took Tottenham to third place last season, had also officially spoken.
Pochettino feels being in the Champions League will make things harder for his group, saying: “It’s a major test.”
In any case, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has an alternate target, asking his players to show “soul” in their opener.
Every one of the five managers were questioned about their title ambitions in their media conferences on Friday after Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri played down his side’s hopes of guarding their crown.
“Many more think the same way but they are afraid to say it,” Mourinho said, as his side prepare to take on Bournemouth on Sunday.
“They prefer to hide and play defensively with words. That is not our way. It is not Manchester United.
“Manchester United have to say from day one they want to win the title. Maybe we don’t win. Maybe at end of the season we are happy to finish in the top four.
“But, in this moment, when I speak to you, and when I do that I speak to my players too, I cannot speak differently.”
“The top clubs have new ambition so it promises to be a very exciting season and difficult one as well,” Wenger said.
“The new managers will be interesting but the quality on the pitch will be the most important thing and let’s not forget we finished second,” Wenger added.
“We need to skip one more place. The last four years we have been fourth, third and second, and we want to make progress again.”
Conte said: “To start with a derby is tough but I’m excited. We will try to fight and do our best to win the game because it’s important to start in the right way.
“I think this league is fantastic but very tough. There are many great clubs who can fight to win the title, fantastic players with great talent.
“There are also good managers, it will be a great battle and I’m excited. My players are also excited. We have a good situation to fight with the others and we’re ready.”
