Antonio Conte says the only pressure he feels is from himself and his desire to please Chelsea fans amid speculation his job is under threat.
The Blues earned a gutsy 4-2 victory against Watford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, battling back from 2-1 down to avoid what would have been their third consecutive defeat in the Premier League and a fourth game without a win in all competitions.
Pedro put Chelsea ahead with substitute Michy Batshuayi levelling with a header and then adding a fourth after Cesar Azpliicueta’s knocked in the third at the far post from Willian’s cross.
Conte was full of praise for Batshuayi and said his side showed “good character, good spirit and good desire to fight”.
“Our fans show me and my players every game a lot of patience,” the Italian said. “They show they want to push us. I feel this type of pressure, other pressure is not important for me.
“I don’t feel [pressure from the club’s board] because this is our job. When I go to my house I am happy because I know I am putting 150 per cent for my club and my players are doing the same.”
Rumours of unrest have been rife since the summer when Chelsea missed out on numerous transfer targets and Conte was left frustrated by a smaller squad for an increased fixture list following the return to Champions League football.
The concerns have grown after numerous injuries, with N’Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater and Victor Moses all sidelined. Several other players, notably Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata and Tiemoue Bakayoko, have also missed games.
“It is not simple because we are facing difficult situations but the spirit and commitment is right,” Conte added. “I’m satisfied for the performance.
“I want also to see the positive aspects because in the last two games we scored seven goals. We concede goals but I think to score seven goals is important.
“This game was the third game in seven days. In the second half we showed good physical condition because we pushed a lot until the end to come back.
“When you are not used to losing one game, also two games in a row, I think it’s not simple.”