Antonio Conte's intense training sessions giving Chelsea the edge in Premier League title race, says Willian

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Simon Johnson22 December 2016

Willian is enjoying the freedom that Chelsea’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation has given him.

Antonio Conte changed the system after the 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in September and has been rewarded with 11 straight Premier League wins, taking the Blues to the top of the Premier League.

When Chelsea played with a 4‑2‑3‑1, Diego Costa was isolated at times but in the new formation other forward-thinking players can offer more support and move into space created when the Spain striker drops deeper.

“We have changed it a little bit,” said Willian. “There’s more freedom. I have more freedom to play. I can move inside, I can go to the left and to the right and I think it’s much better.

“The new formation helps players like me, helps Diego and helps Eden [Hazard] in front. We can move around as we have that freedom.”

Chelsea have a six-point lead in the table — last Christmas they went into the festive schedule just three points off the relegation zone and with Guus Hiddink in charge following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Willian was one of the few players at the club to emerge with any credit last term as he scored 11 goals and was named their player of the season.

“I was happy with my performances last season but it is difficult when the team doesn’t go the same way,” he said. “But I always try to do my best on the pitch. Last season I was good but this season I want to do much better. I have to improve and I think I can do it. Of course, this season the team is much better and playing with more confidence.”

The absence of European football has helped Chelsea, particularly as their manager has been pushing them in training.

“It’s intense,” Willian told Sky Sports. “He likes to work. We train hard. Sometimes it’s two hours of intense training. We always have a plan going into the game and we have to trust in the plan. We’ve done that.

“The way we are training makes us more confident in the games. We can run and put pressure on the opponents. And when you win game by game, this brings even more confidence. The target is to stay together and to play together. If we trust in our team-mates then we have a great chance to win the title this season.”

Chelsea FC Players visit Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

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Meanwhile, Steve Holland has been appointed England assistant manager on a permanent basis but will not leave Chelsea’s backroom team until the end of the season.

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