Antonio Conte says he’s not to blame for Chelsea’s shortcomings despite worst home defeat in two years against Bournemouth
Blues boss bites back at criticism for poor performances this season leaving his team fighting a for top four place
ANTONIO CONTE has had another dig at Chelsea's transfer policy after their embarrassing 3-0 loss to Bournemouth last night.
The Italian says that he is getting "120 per cent" from his team and the idea of a title challenge this season was well beyond the squad he has at hand.
Following the defeat last night, he said: "After the first game this season you tried to put pressure on my job, but I'm trying to do my best."
Conte wasn't afraid to challenge the media or the higher powers at Chelsea, not for the first time - after his rant about the Blues' January transfer dealings.
"We are doing 120 per cent. I'm exploiting the squad at maximum level. But if someone here doesn't agree about this, I'm here.
"I have to accept every situation. I know that I'm doing a great job, me, the staff and the players."
The result last night means Chelsea slip to fourth place in the league given Liverpool's 3-0 win at Huddersfield on Tuesday night.
They sit on level points with the Merseyside club on 50 points, but are now behind on goal difference.
Tottenham are also sniffing for blood, just two points behind the Blues - and will be further buoyed by their emphatic 2-0 victory over Manchester United last night.
Conte is worried that the Champions League may be out of reach if results continue to go the way they did last night.
He said: "It won't be easy this season, and we have to fight. I think the players are starting to understand that we have to struggle for a position in the Champions League.
"But I think the players, until now, are great. They are very, very top for their commitment. If they hadn't done that, our place in the table would be worse."