Antonio Conte has saluted Chelsea's players for successfully adapting to his 'football philosophy' this season.

Conte took charge at Stamford Bridge last summer and has made an immediate impact in west London.

The Blues are 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League table following Saturday's 2-1 victory at Stoke City and are on course to win their fifth top-flight title of the modern era.

Chelsea have bought into high-energy brand of football within a 3-4-3 formation and the Italian is delighted his ideas have been so well received.

"My players are understanding my idea of football and they are adapting to my system, my philosophy of football.

"For sure I think we are building something important," Conte told Chelsea's official website.

Chelsea have already been widely labelled as 'champions elect' ahead of the run-in, courtesy of an enviable advantage at the top of the table.

But Conte is determined not to relax and has urged his players to maintain their focus as they attempt to see out the season in pole position.

"We have to take 21 points to take the title, otherwise we risk to lose. We have to think positively and take it game by game.

"When you want to win the league, it's important not to drop points when you play against teams that are medium or at the bottom.

"It's important to keep a continuity in the results. This is a winning mentality," he added.