Chelsea boss Antonio Conte anticipated his second season at Stamford Bridge would be his "most difficult" in management before a ball was even kicked.
The Blues, who won the title in Conte's first campaign, were knocked out of the League Cup by London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday and sit 15 points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League.
Chelsea welcome Newcastle to Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the fourth round of the FA Cup knowing the competition is their only realistic chance of domestic silverware this season.
"My task is to continue to work very hard for the club and have great respect, firstly for my job and also for our players and fans," said Conte.
"If you remember at the start of the season I said maybe this will be the most difficult season for me. I have a great capacity to see very far (ahead), not just 10 metres.
"We must be focused and give everything every day, we have to continue to do this. We have to know we will face great difficulties but if we know this we are ready."
