Antonio Conte has defended the classic Italian style of cautious football by asking: 'What did Manchester City and Liverpool win last year?'

Conte's conservative approach has been criticised by Chelsea fans who have watched enviously as City wrapped up the Premier League with goals galore and Liverpool stormed to the Champions League final in spectacular style.

City need just two goals from three games, starting against Huddersfield to beat Chelsea's record of 103 goals in a Premier League, set by Carlo Ancelotti's swashbuckling side in 2010.

Antonio Conte has defended the classic Italian style of cautious football at Chelsea

And Liverpool have scored an astonishing 46 goals in their run to the Champions League final, breaking Barcelona's record with a mouthwatering showdown against Real Madrid to come.

By contrast, Chelsea have been miserly at the back and goal-shy in attack. While they have conceded three goals fewer than Liverpool, whom they meet at Stamford Bridge today, the Reds have scored 20 goals more in the league alone.

It has led to accusations that Conte's counter-attacking style, which won them the title last season, is outdated. But Conte hit back in defence of his tactics.

'I think there are many styles of football,' he said.'There is not one style that can make you a winner. Last season City and Liverpool didn't win anything and their style was the same (as now).

'In my experience as a player and as a coach, it's very important to have in every moment the right balance when you're attacking and defending, not too much offensively and not too much defensively.

Conte's conservative approach has been criticised by sections of Chelsea fans this season

'This is the best way, in my opinion, to win something. But it is right that every coach can have their best idea of how to play football and I have great respect for all of them.' Conte played in the 2003 Champions League final for Juventus against AC Milan, which ended goalless after extra time before Milan won on penalties.

It was considered the epitome of Italian defensive football, with neither side prepared to take risks. But Conte said this week: 'If you remember in that era we played three finals in a row, and not with defensive tactics.

'When you have players on the pitch such as Zidane, Del Piero and Inzaghi I think it's impossible to use tactics with a great (emphasis on) defence. Everyone wants to put the best technical players on the pitch, but then you must also have players who are good at running and fighting to win the ball, tackling and defending.

'Football is not as simple as people sometimes describe. You must be good in all areas. This, in my opinion, is the right way to have a good balance.' Conte has a fully-fit squad for Sunday's game with Liverpool.