Antonio Conte says it would be a “great mistake” to think Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League is down to the lack of European football, saying his squad are “doing a great job”.

The Italian pointed to how he won the Serie A title in both situations at Juventus - with continental competition and without - as well as how Liverpool are in the same situation but are not competing.

The accusation has come up repeated times this season as Chelsea lie seven points clear at the top, especially from Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho - who faces his old at Old Trafford on Sunday - but Conte completely rejected the idea.

Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers Show all 9 1 /9 Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers IN: James Rodriguez With Oscar departing for China, James Rodriguez could be the perfect long-term replacement for the Brazilian. Rodriguez hasn’t had much game time this season and might be looking for a move away from the Bernabeu. It looks like Chelsea will tussle with the likes of Manchester United to secure his signature. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers IN: Ricardo Rodriguez The 24-year-old Swiss international could be the perfect fit in Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation. The Wolfsburg player is a massive threat from dead ball situations and loves to attack. Recent reports are suggesting that the Blues have beaten Arsenal to secure his services. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers IN: Arturo Vidal Conte is reportedly looking to bring his former employee to Stamford Bridge in a deal that could be worth up to £38 million. Bayern’s box-to-box midfielder played under the Italian tactician at Juventus where they reached the Champions League final, losing 3-1 to Barcelona. Bongarts/Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers IN: Federico Bernardeschi Fiorentina winger Bernardeschi has been on sparkling form for the Viola this campaign. Conte took him to the Euros in the summer and he could provide solid competition for Victor Moses for the right-wing starting berth. Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers IN: Tiemoue Bakayoko Monaco have been free-scoring this season but their whole team deserves credit. Bakayoko has been a mainstay in the defensive-midfield position, and his combative style has drawn comparisons to N’Golo Kante. Chelsea would have to dig deep to make this deal materialise, though. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers IN: Franck Kessie The 19-year-old has been the breakthrough star in Serie A this season. In an Atalanta side that has performed above expectations this campaign, Kessie has played an integral role. A lot of Europe’s elite are in pursuit of the Ivorian. Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers IN: Faouzi Ghoulam After bringing Marcos Alonso in from Fiorentina last summer summer, Conte may want to provide some competition for the Spaniard and Ghoulam may well be the answer. Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers OUT: Michy Batshuayi With Diego Costa performing so well, it is hard to see where the young Belgian fits in to Conte’s setup. French side Lille were left rebuffed after they reportedly lodged a loan bid which was rejected by the Blues, but it remains to be seen whether they will keep him at Stamford Bridge. AFP/Getty Images Chelsea potential summer 2017 transfers OUT: Branislav Ivanovic After starting the first six games of the season, the Serbian defender has struggled to fight his way back into the Chelsea team. After a change of formation from Conte, it seems as though he might not suit the Italian’s style. Reports have also proposed that Barcelona may be in line for a shock swoop. AFP/Getty Images

“Yes, but I listen to this story from when I was the coach in Juventus in my first season,” the Chelsea boss said. “Yes, but I can tell you Liverpool are the same. For sure, we had more time to work with the team. This is my first season with a new club, and it's important to have more time to work and transfer your ideas of football.

"But if [people say] this is the only reason you stay on top of the table, it's a great mistake. We are doing a great job. We hope in the future to play the great competitions like the Champions League. I prefer this.”

Conte also insisted that there is no personal conflict between himself and Mourinho despite apparent tension around Chelsea’s two wins so far over United this season, saying it is purely sporting.