So far, Michy Batshuayi, N’Golo Kante and Eduardo are Conte’s two recruits since taking charge at Stamford Bridge, with the two outfield players having made their debuts and started their Chelsea careers in positive fashion.

We have until late on Wednesday to strengthen the squad further, but Conte explained why signing new players is not as straightforward as it may seem, particularly in the current window.

‘This transfer market is very strange because when you want to buy a player the other teams don’t want to sell,’ said Conte. ‘Something is changing, not just for Chelsea but all the teams. Teams of a medium level now prefer to maintain the players and not sell.

‘It’s good news for the English league because it’s tougher, but it’s not good for the teams who want to buy. This situation is for all the teams, not just in England or Spain. Something is changing, it’s very strange.

‘We didn’t refuse to spend money for the right targets. I prefer to spend a lot of money on a great player, not a middle-level player. It’s important to be clear. Also, you must understand in England every team has money. Now we must solve the problem with work.’

Conte also explained why the fact we are not involved in Europe this season doesn’t have an impact on our ability to sign top players.

‘It’s logical players want to play in the Champions League but I think because of the Chelsea story it’s better to miss the Champions League for one season, a great player can still come.

‘In the last 13 or 14 years, Chelsea always played Champions League and increased their fanbase all over the world, that shows we are a great club, not just in England. With a club like Chelsea you always come.’

The impending international break will give Conte time to head home for a well-deserved break after an intense few months.

‘I’m thinking about going back to Italy because for three months I’ve been working every day,’ he said. ‘It’s been very tough, I had 45 days with the national team and then I started with Chelsea.

‘If I have rest for three or four days it’s good for me and the team. I will stay with my family, rest and switch off. My mind is very full with football.’

He also provided his thoughts on this week’s earthquake in his homeland.

‘There aren’t any words to describe such a tragedy and my heart is with all the Italian people,’ said Conte.

Chelsea's Italian staff on the bench at today's match will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for the earthquake victims.