Conte: Call me a 'magician'

The Italian coach led Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, but is now facing scrutiny after a string of unfavourable results.

"I was a magician to anticipate it," said Conte, who is refusing to buckle under the pressure. "But, for sure, I'm a person who is not afraid to face the difficulties."

"Now we are in October and we have to think about improving the present.", he added. "Don't find excuses. Tell always the truth. If you always tell the truth, you can't be afraid of anything."

League defeats to City and Crystal Palace as well as Wednesday's Champions League draw with Roma have increased the pressure, but the former Juventus boss appreciates the precarious nature of coaching.

"If I feel the pressure? I think every coach, every manager has to feel the pressure,", he concluded. "When I go to my house I'm happy because I know in every moment I put all myself in my job for this club, for the fans, for my players."