Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has admitted his side are now facing a battle to finish the season in the Champions League qualification places.
The Blues, who are 11/10 with bookmaker to end the season in the top four, sit in fifth place in the table following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.
They trail league leaders Manchester City by 17 points and Villas-Boas has conceded their title challenge is over, with qualification for next season’s Champions League now the top priority for the season.
Villas-Boas is coming under increasing pressure at Stamford Bridge but insists he is not worried just yet about losing his job.
“There are still plenty of games to play,” said Villas-Boas.
“We need Champions League qualification and that’s what we expect. The objective is first place but first place is not a real objective anymore and neither is second.”