Antonio Conte admits Chelsea Champions League hopes in doubt after Manchester United loss

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Vaishali Bhardwaj26 February 2018

Antonio Conte believes there is a real possibility that Chelsea may miss out on a Champions League spot this season.

Chelsea were leading their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday thanks to Willian's goal in the first half, but went on to lose the game 2-1 after Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard scored at Old Trafford.

The result meant Chelsea, who had dropped into fifth place before the game because of Tottenham's win over Crystal Palace, are now two points off Mauricio Pochettino's men in the race for a top-four spot.

And Conte has admitted that Chelsea may struggle to secure qualification into the Champions League if they do not improve their results and performances soon.

He said: "For sure we must be disappointed for the final result.

"I think today we had a good chance to get three points against a competitor for a place in Champions League but at the end we are talking about another defeat and we must be disappointed because when you have this type of situation you have to manage the game better and you must be able with experience, with maturity, to get three points."

Mourinho and Conte shake hands ahead of the game
Man Utd via Getty Images

When then asked what it would say about Chelsea if they do not qualify for the Champions League this season, Conte replied: "I don't know but this could be a possibility for sure.

"I am repeating the same concept many times but in this league to find a place in Champions League is not simple.

"There is this risk to stay out of the Champions League. We must be ready to fight, to be concentrated and to understand that this target is an important target for us but it won't be easy."

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