Eden Hazard feels it was always going to prove difficult for Chelsea to mount a successful Premier League title defence on their return to Europe.
Blues boss Antonio Conte has found his position under scrutiny in the wake of successive defeats, with Monday's 4-1 loss at Watford leaving them 19 points behind leaders Manchester City.
The players are set to return to training at Cobham on Friday after three days off as focus switches to Monday's League visit of West Brom to Stamford Bridge.
Belgium midfielder Hazard accepts it has been a testing season for the Blues, who nevertheless remain in the top four of the Premier League, are through to the FA Cup fifth round and will soon face Barcelona in their Champions League last-16 tie.