Antonio Conte is adamant his pessimistic forecast for Chelsea this season has not contributed to their struggles.
The Italian predicted in August his side would be hard-pushed to replicate their title-winning campaign of last season and he has been shown to have been right with the Blues' 3-1 defeat at home to Tottenham last Sunday leaving them fifth, eight points behind their London rivals in the battle for the remaining place in the Champions League.
Conte said the situation has not come as a surprise.
"For sure, I predicted this season that it would be very difficult for me," he said, ahead of this weekend's clash with relegation-threatened West Ham.