Antonio Conte believes last season’s Premier League title success – “a miracle” in the Italian’s view – has earned him the right to oversee the major team rebuilding work that he insists needs to be done at Stamford Bridge.

Conte’s position at Chelsea has been questioned all season and the scrutiny will intensify if the 3-0 midweek Champions League loss at Roma is followed by a defeat to Jose Mourinho’s visiting Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

The head coach claims he is unaffected by the pressure, but says perspective and patience are the qualities required by club’s decision-makers. Conte has made it clear there is more work to be done on strengthening the squad and while he believes he is the right man to do it, he accepts others may not agree.

“Honestly, I think I earned my time here with the win of last season,” he said. “I earned my time. I don’t like to ask for time. I like to tell the truth.

“It’s not simple to repeat and win. Above all here, in this league. It’s not simple. You have to consider the real situation that we are in now.