Sunday 11 February 2018 09:56, UK
Antonio Conte has suggested that his future at Chelsea rests on the club's trust in him and should not depend on whether they win silverware this season.
The Chelsea head coach is under increasing pressure after back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth and Watford, in which the Blues conceded seven goals and dropped to fifth in the Premier League table.
Despite winning the title in Conte's first season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have struggled this season in the league - they are 22 points behind leaders Manchester City ahead of the Monday Night Football clash with West Brom - but are still fighting in the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Conte, who has contract until the summer of 2019, insists he is "totally" committed to Chelsea and believes the relationship between a club and their coach is more important than winning trophies.
"I think that you continue to work with a manager or coach not because of what he achieves in one season, but because you trust in him," said Conte. "Then you build something with him.
"But it doesn't mean you have to win something, because that's not simple. Especially in England, it's not simple.
"In my vision, you can win but, at the same time, the club might not be happy to stay with you. For this reason, it's right to send the coach away.
There are two ways - there is a stupid way and an intelligent way. If the club decides to send me away, I don't know when, it'll be because they're not happy with my work
"At the same time, you can trust in a coach and his work and continue with him even if you don't win, and try and build something important.
"There are two ways - there is a stupid way and an intelligent way. If the club decides to send me away, I don't know when, it'll be because they're not happy with my work."
Chelsea face West Brom on Monday, live on Sky Sports, as they look to climb back into the top four and Conte insists that Champions League qualification is their main goal.
"I think the most important thing is to understand the situation and understand what your targets are," said Conte.
"For sure, when you start a season, all these six top teams want to fight for something important, for the title.
"Then, sometimes it can happen, like it did for us last season. Other times you have to fight for a place in the Champions League, like this season. But to try and forecast is very difficult. You have to finish this season in the right way, too."
