John Obi Mikel admits Chelsea are 'a lot fitter' under Antonio Conte

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has conceded that the Blues' fitness levels were a factor in their disastrous Premier League title defence last season. 

Jose Mourinho was sacked after a dismal start to the season, after which the blues recovered to finish 10th in the top flight as Leicester shocked the world to claim the big prize. 

Antonio Conte took the top job at Stamford Bridge over the summer, succeeding caretaker boss Guus Hiddink, and Mikel says he has made the players fitter. 

He told Goal: 

"Yes, I think it played a part last season (not being fit enough). One thing is for sure, the team is a lot fitter this season. 

"A lot of players are going to be much, much fitter and that is only going to help the team. 

"[Double sessions] That’s the way he wants to train, that’s his style, that’s his way that he thinks we can win and that he thinks can get Chelsea back to where they belong. 

"Obviously, quite a lot was made last year that a lot of the players were not fit, so the club decided to go for someone to make sure we are fit."