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Antonio Conte has whipped Chelsea into shape... we are fitter than under Jose Mourinho, says John Obi Mikel

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed that Antonio Conte's double training sessions have left the team fitter than they were last season when they stumbled to a 10th place finish under Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea endured the worst title defence in Premier League history last term - with Mikel suggesting that was partially due to a lack of fitness and a short pre-season.

Conte, however, has introduced a rigorous training regime as well as changing players' diets, and the Nigeria international believes the Blues will only benefit as the the season progresses.

John Obi Mikel admits he has 'never ran so much' as under new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte
John Obi Mikel admits he has 'never ran so much' as under new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte
The Italian introduced double training sessions to improve players' fitness from last term
The Italian introduced double training sessions to improve players' fitness from last term
The Blues have got off to a better start than they managed during the worst title defence in Premier League history last season, pictured Diego Costa celebrating a goal against Hull
The Blues have got off to a better start than they managed during the worst title defence in Premier League history last season, pictured Diego Costa celebrating a goal against Hull

Speaking to Goal.