Guus Hiddink has claimed that a relegation battle is a "very realistic" problem for Chelsea.
The West London outfit have had a disappointing season, winning just six of their 21 Premier League games.
The team, who eased to the title last season, are 14th in the table, six points above the relegation zone, which is currently occupied by Sunderland, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
The club have also been disrupted by management changes as Jose Mourinho was sacked in December and replaced with interim boss Hiddink.
"It's a very realistic view," the Daily Mail quotes Hiddink as saying. "Twelve points to fourth - that's Tottenham. We all like to look up to the top of the table but don't be unrealistic when you're six points off the relegation line. That's also a fact.
"We must work hard and be very concentrated and step up. That's why it was a pity about the 86th-minute equaliser we conceded against West Brom.
"When I arrived, we started one point off the relegation line and now we have more room to breathe. We have two difficult games coming up. Everton, a very good away record, and then Arsenal. If you don't gather points, you don't know what the others do."
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five league games.
