Antonio
Conte is maintaining a 'step by step' approach as Chelsea bid to secure the
Premier League title.
The Italian head coach admits there may be no obvious answer to Saturday's
shock 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace, as the Blues' 13-game winning run at home
came to an end and their lead was cut to seven points.
Manchester City next visit Chelsea on Wednesday, where an immediate response
from Conte's men will be required.
"This league was not finished before this game and it's not finished now,"
Conte said. "There are nine games to play and we have to think step by step.
"At the end [of the season], if we deserve to win the title, we will be very
happy. If someone else deserves to win the title, it means that they have
played better than us.
"When you lose this type of game, in your mind you try to apply a lot of
questions. But it's very difficult to find a reply to this result.
"I know Man City started the season wanting to win the title. They have a
really strong squad but I think it's right to think about ourselves, to go
game by game.
"In England, every game is very tough, whether the name of your opponent is
City or another team."
Chelsea remain in a strong position to reclaim the Premier League crown and
require another 21 points to be certain of the title.
Conte dismissed the suggestion that the title run-in pressure was a factor
in the Blues' loss to the Eagles, insisting a number of clubs will be
feeling the heat during the title run-in.
"It's normal when you stay in a great club and you are very good - and also
you are lucky to fight for the title - there is pressure," Conte added.
"Not [just] for us but for a lot of teams. Don't forget the other teams were
candidates to win the title and instead we have stayed up the table.
"We have tried to keep this position. If you are able to keep this position,
it means that we deserve it."
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