Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has confessed that he is now 'starting to feel worried' about whether he will be sacked at the end of the campaign.

The 48-year-old has been under pressure all season long, despite earning hero status in his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge by guiding the Blues to the Premier League title.

Conte revealed earlier this week that he expects a decision to be made on his future after next week's FA Cup final against Manchester United - a possible make-or-break clash for the Italian.

With a top-four finish now looking unlikely following the midweek draw with Huddersfield Town, Conte admits that he is beginning to sweat.

"I've been living with this speculation since the start of this season," he told reporters at his pre-match press ahead of Sunday's trip to Newcastle United. "I always say my only thought is to do my job in the best possible way, that I work very hard with my players.

"Since the start of the first game, at that time I don't listen to the speculation around me and this is the right moment I start to be worried."

Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri are the rumoured frontrunners to replace Conte, who is under contract at Stamford Bridge for another year.