BIG BLOW: Alex Ferguson and 7 other people who never believed Chelsea could win the league.

Jose Mourinho left Chelsea at middle of last season in a hazardous state that needed fixing.

Although Guus Hiddink was able to arrest the decline and return some sort of form for the club, it was not until Antonio Conte delivered the title that the Blues really emerged as a force once again.

Antonio Conte

Conte led Chelsea to the title in his first season in charge When the Italian was appointed at the beginning of the season, many were skeptical of how a coach who favoured a three man defense could do in the league.

He however transformed the thoughts of everyone from Arsene Wenger, Maurico Pochettino to Sam Allardyce who have all since switched to a three man defense.

Conte was not given the backing of ex-players and pundits to challenge for the title but then he proved them all wrong.

PAY ATTENTION: You can also Advertise with Us!

Here are eight high profile names who doubted the Blues;
1. Gary Neveille The December, the Sky Sports analyst was skeptical Chelsea could win the title despite their impressive run of form.
He said: “I didn’t think they would be champions at the start of the season. I’m still not sure, I wouldn’t fully trust any of them yet, but they do like they are producing the type (champions) performances."

Gary Neveille

2. Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand The three former Manchester United stars were asked by BT Sport's Jake Humphrey “Can Chelsea win the league?” They all replied "no".

3. Alan Shearer The Premier League's highest goal scorer ever did not believe the title would be in London, rather thinking it was going to Manchester City.
Asked mid-season who he still thought would win the league, Shearer still backed City.