Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has insisted that his side must focus on securing a top-four finish come the end of the Premier League campaign.

The defending champions all but conceded the title race this weekend after losing to West Ham United, leaving Conte's charges 14 points adrift of current leaders Manchester City.

"There is a problem in this league - there are six top teams and only four places for the Champions League," Conte told the club's official website.

"You have targets... you have an important target to try to go in the first four and to play Champions League.

"To reach this target is not simple. It's very important for me, the players, for all of us. This league is not simple to reach the top four positions."

Chelsea currently hold third position in the league standings with 32 points from 16 games played.