Head coach Thomas Tuchel has said that it is "realistic" to write off Chelsea's chances of winning this season's Premier League title.
The newly-crowned world champions trail leaders Manchester City by 16 points, albeit with a game in hand, while they only hold a six-point advantage over fifth-placed West Ham United.
Tuchel has suggested that the Blues must now focus their attention on achieving Champions League football for next season, rather than trying to catch a relentless City side.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "Sixteen points is too much for what we demand of ourselves. To reach your targets, I think a realistic approach is also necessary. We should not get confused and think about winning the Premier League and realise that we are in a race for the top four.
"It's a huge thing in Premier League. At the end of the season, you can look back and say why this is the reason and try to do better. You can do things to improve in the season - this is what we do - but right now, the focus has to be on a realistic approach and that we are in a race for top four."
Chelsea return to top-flight action on Saturday afternoon with a game at London rivals Crystal Palace.
Darren Plant
