City are currently running away with the Premier League title, breaking numerous records as they sit 11 points clear of their nearest challenges in Manchester United, but the manager of the current champions thinks Pep Guardiola's side have been fortunate.
"To have these 15 wins in a row, you must be also lucky because, in many games, they won at the last minute, or with minutes to go," Conte said.
"When you have this type of run, for sure, you must also be a bit lucky. But I repeat: they are deserving this.
"We must have great respect but, at the same time, we must find the right solution to contend.
"To contend the title. To try to fight them. We have to try to do this. Not just Chelsea, but Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool. The six top teams. The five top teams.
The Italian coach also said he is not surprised at City's success this season.
"City are not a surprise for me. At the start of the season all the people said this league was for two Manchester contenders.
"This is a great team but they were also a great team last season. Then in the transfer market they reached their first targets.
"The time is moving on and City continue to win. We must be realistic. In the last nine games we won seven games, drawn one and lost one, but the gap improved for City."