Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were humiliated by Watford in their Premier League fixture on Monday night and the Italian tactician accepted the blame in the aftermath of their 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road.

“Our performance was very poor. We started very badly, without personality. We played with fear,” Conte stated at his post-match presser.

“In the second half I saw great will and great desire, but I saw a lot of confusion. We were able to equalise, and in that moment we had to do better to manage the situation and understand the moment,” the Italian added as he continued, “A great team must do this. Instead in 10 minutes we conceded three goals. In this case, it’s right for everyone to take responsibility, me and the players”.

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Blues midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko was sent off early in the tie before Watford captain Troy Deeney scored a spot-kick to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the interval. Eden Hazard would score a superb equaliser in the 82nd minute, but Chelsea went on to inexplicably concede three goals in the span of less than 10 minutes to record their second heavy defeat on the trot.

After reportedly rowing with the club management over their questionable moves in the transfer market, Conte’s future at Stamford Bridge has been the subject of intense speculation and the Blues head coach insisted he was not worried about losing his job.

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“I’m not worried about my job. I work every day and I give 120 per cent. If this is enough, it’s okay. Otherwise the club can take a different decision.

“Every press conference I am asked if I’m worried. I’m not worried. Tomorrow is another day. I can be the Chelsea coach, or not. What’s the problem? My soul is clear.”

After 26 rounds played, the defending champions are in fourth place, a mammoth 19 points behind leaders Manchester City.

The Blues are still in contention for silverware in the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, but any chances of them retaining their Premier League title have long been extinguished and they must compete with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to finish in the top-four.