Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has backed his former club to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
The Frenchman, who made 229 appearances for the Blues, believes Antonio Conte’s very competitive nature will help get the best out of his players.
Conte has made a flawless start to life at Chelsea, winning three of three Premier League games, whilst they have also progressed in the League Cup following a 3-2 win over at home to Bristol Rovers.
In an interview with the Mirror, the 36-year-old Malouda said, “This season will be very open.
“I think Chelsea also have a chance with Antonio Conte, who is a good coach, too — very competitive and will get the best out of the squad.”
Conte won three consecutive Serie A titles during his time at Juventus between 2011 and 2014 and the Italian has been tasked with bringing the kind of glory back to Chelsea that Malouda enjoyed.
The winger moved to Stamford Bridge from Lyon in 2007 and enjoyed a very successful spell until his departure in 2013, winning the Champions League, Premier League and three FA Cups.
The former French international, who appeared 80 times for his country, is set for a return to England this weekend when his current side Delhi Dynamos visit the Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion in a friendly due to the international break.
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