Chelsea attacker Willian has claimed that the 2016-17 Premier League season will be "the most difficult in history".

Leicester City shocked the world of football when they won the English title last term, finishing ahead of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, who made up the top four in the table.

Manchester United and Chelsea both have new managers this season, however, while Liverpool are expected to improve as Jurgen Klopp stamps his mark on the Merseyside outfit.

Willian has said that it has never been harder to win the top prize in English football, but has predicted that his team will thrive under new boss Antonio Conte, who left his position with Italy to take charge at Stamford Bridge.

"I think this season will be the most difficult in history, because there are so many managers. [Jose] Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, Conte here and the others - and I think it will be difficult for everyone. But we have a great team and we have to show that on the pitch," Wilian told reporters.

Chelsea will face Liverpool in a pre-season clash in North America on Wednesday night.