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Cape Town - John Obi Mikel says he can "only see Chelsea winning trophies" following the appointment of former Juventus and Italy boss Antonio Conte.
The Nigeria international has been impressed by the coach since he took up the reins at Stamford Bridge, and feels the new man at the helm has made a positive impact on the squad.
And with spirits high in the Chelsea camp, Mikel sees no reason why the Blues can't challenge for the Premier League title.
"I can only see Chelsea winning trophies with this guy and hopefully we can achieve that," Mikel told Goal website.
"The manager knows what he wants, we are behind him, we support him as players and we have to go with him, so I think that everyone is looking forward to this season.
"It is going to be a very interesting season with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, everyone has spent a lot of money and it is going to be very difficult.
"We want to be, at the end of the season, on the top and, if we can win it, why not (go for it)."
Mikel also highlighted Conte's passionate approach to management and the effect it was having on the squad.
"Yes, (Conte shouts a lot) in training," he added. "In games I don't even need to say, you can see how passionate he is and how passionate he is about winning, it is just the passion he has for the game and the way he thinks that he can get his message across to the players on the pitch.
"Sometimes the manager needs to communicate with the players even when they are on the pitch, to do what he needs them to do.
"I have never seen anyone that passionate, but yes, he is very, very passionate about winning games."
The Nigeria international has been impressed by the coach since he took up the reins at Stamford Bridge, and feels the new man at the helm has made a positive impact on the squad.
And with spirits high in the Chelsea camp, Mikel sees no reason why the Blues can't challenge for the Premier League title.
"I can only see Chelsea winning trophies with this guy and hopefully we can achieve that," Mikel told Goal website.
"The manager knows what he wants, we are behind him, we support him as players and we have to go with him, so I think that everyone is looking forward to this season.
"It is going to be a very interesting season with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, everyone has spent a lot of money and it is going to be very difficult.
"We want to be, at the end of the season, on the top and, if we can win it, why not (go for it)."
Mikel also highlighted Conte's passionate approach to management and the effect it was having on the squad.
"Yes, (Conte shouts a lot) in training," he added. "In games I don't even need to say, you can see how passionate he is and how passionate he is about winning, it is just the passion he has for the game and the way he thinks that he can get his message across to the players on the pitch.
"Sometimes the manager needs to communicate with the players even when they are on the pitch, to do what he needs them to do.
"I have never seen anyone that passionate, but yes, he is very, very passionate about winning games."
