The defeat, on Saturday, away to Crystal Palace, leaves Chelsea nine points behind the current Premier League leaders Manchester City.
City have 22 points whilst Chelsea have just 13, a total not even sufficient enough to earn a top-four place.
Already, it appears, considering our recent form, any hopes of retaining our Premier League title are fast fading.
Last season, Chelsea strung together a run of 13 victories, a run that catapulted the club towards the title.
Looking at the performance given on Saturday, it`s hard to see that run being emulated.
Furthermore, last season we didn`t have the pleasant distraction of Europen football to cope with.
After the defeat at the hands of Palace, Antonio Conte was very open when it came to talking to the media, with our associates at Guardian, carrying some interesting quotes from our Italian boss, quotes which read,
“We mustn`t be happy.
“This season will be very difficult for us. For this reason we have to put 150% in; 100% won`t be enough. I have players with a great will to work and fight. For sure we have to find the strength to overcome this moment. Everyone can see our situation.
“I think every season is different. Last season is the past. Now it is another squad, different players and for this reason if we compare last season we didn`t play Europa League or Champions League. This season we are facing four competitions and we are having a few problems doing this. When you have a few injuries, you are in trouble.”
Three hamstring injuries in a short space of time have somewhat decimated Conte`s options, showing that, this summer, the cracks were papered over rather than repaired when it came the squad.
Continuing, Antonio talks about building for the future, further remarking,
“You know very well the potential of the other teams but it is important for us to look at ourselves.
“This season will be difficult but also we have to understand we have to try to build something important for the future, to give the opportunity to the new players to have more experience in this league, to give the opportunity to young players to show they deserve to stay and play for Chelsea. We must have patience this season to understand it won`t be easy.”
Based on the above, are our hopes this season to secure a top-four finish and possibly a domestic cup?
Your views on the above would be greatly appreciated in our comments facility beneath this article.
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