Antonio Conte has again stressed that Chelsea will continue fighting for the Premier League title, but believes that finishing anywhere in the top four will mean a successful season.
A shock defeat to West Ham United earlier this month aside, the Blues have enjoyed a positive run of form over the last 11 weeks and find themselves third in the table.
Despite some fairly consistent form of late, Chelsea still trail league leaders Manchester City by a massive 16 points, though they have a five-point gap on current fourth-placed side Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Conte said: "I think, in this league, to finish in the top four will always be a successful season. This is the only league to have six top teams to fight every season for the title. And then there are only four places for the Champions League and two for the Europa League.
"But it's normal when your competitors are doing so well, like Manchester City... it's very difficult to think about fighting until the end for the title. But, at the same time, we must try to fight in every game, for the three points and to give satisfaction to the fans, and to give everything."
Chelsea, still in EFL Cup and Champions League contention, return to action on Saturday afternoon with a home match against Stoke City.
Daniel Lewis
