Antonio Conte has called Arsene Wenger one of the best coaches in the world.

The Chelsea manager had plenty of praise for Arsene Wenger before the two sides played each other in the Community Shield.

When asked if Wenger signing a new two-year contract was the right decision, Conte said: “I consider Arsène Wenger one of the best coaches,” reports the Guardian. “I think it’s right. He is a really good coach.

“He had a lot of time to build his team and squad. It is the right choice for them. I am not surprised; he is one of the best in the world. Arsenal is one of the best teams in the world.”

Conte’s comments are indicative of the respect that Wenger still commands from his fellow professionals. While fans and pundits regularly criticise the long-serving French coach, most of his peers have nothing but praise for him.

One of the best coaches around or not, Wenger seems to be building a good record against Conte’s Chelsea. Arsenal beat the Blues 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League last season, and beat them again in the FA Cup, before this summer’s Community Shield triumph.

After all the controversy last season, there remains a lot of pressure and expectation for Arsenal to improve upon last season’s fifth place finish in the Premier League. With any luck, Wenger will keep up this recent impressive record against Chelsea and prove many people wrong in 2017/18.