Chelsea news: Antonio Conte makes pledge to fans amid doubts over future

Conte’s relationship with owner Roman Abramovich and the board has become strained in recent days over the Italian’s repeated claims he has not been bought the players he wants and has no control over transfer policy.

Abramovich has been angered by Conte’s rants and the Italian is expected to leave at the end of the season – but the volatile nature of the club and its owner means anything could happen even before then.

Chelsea face Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.

Another defeat would only crank up the pressure and Conte’s task has been made much harder through injuries to key men like Willian, Alvaro Morata and Thibaut Courtois.

“If you look at the stats you can see that in 14 years eight managers were sacked at this club,” he said.

“But when you are sure about your work and that you are doing everything, you are very relaxed, calm.

“I don’t have this worry. I continue to work hard for this club.

“It was the same for the other coaches. I don’t see any difference between them and me.

“Other coaches have managed this situation.”