Antonio Conte fears for Chelsea’s top-four hopes following their 3-0 thrashing by Bournemouth but is adamant he is doing a “great job” at Stamford Bridge.

The champions’ title defence has not really gathered pace this season with Manchester City 18 points ahead of the fourth-placed Blues and looking certainties to take the trophy to the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea still have Champions League qualification to fight for but Wednesday’s defeat to Bournemouth – courtesy of goals from Callum Wilson, Junior Stanislas and ex-Blues defender Nathan Ake – has made life more uncomfortable for Conte, although he remained bullish afterwards.

He told reporters: “I think the pressure is normal. It’s normal for a coach, for a manager. It’s normal if you are Chelsea’s coach.

“After the first game this season [a home defeat to Burnley], you tried to put pressure on my job but I’m trying to do my best.

“I repeat: we are doing everything, we are doing 120 per cent. I’m exploiting this squad to the maximum level but if someone doesn’t agree about this, I’m here.

“I have to accept every situation. I’m very relaxed about this. I know that I’m doing a great job, a great work, me and the staff and the players.”