Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has denied reports claiming that he is under increased pressure from owner Roman Abramovich, despite Chelsea’s recent wobble in form with three defeats in the last four Premier League games.

Chelsea remain at the top of the Premier League and have progressed to the final 16 of the Champions League, but recent performances suggest that the Blues are struggling for form.

Injuries have played a key part in Chelsea’s recent slide with figures such as captain John Terry and vice-captain Frank Lampard currently sidelined, whilst current Golden Boot holder Didier Drogba has struggled for form after a sickness setback.

However Ancelotti insists that he is in complete control of the proceedings, despite reports linking him with a shock exit from Stamford Bridge.

The Italian admitted to being nervous after losing to eventual winners Inter in the Champions League last season, but remains adamant that results will go his way this campaign.

“The owner doesn’t put me under pressure. After the defeat against Inter it was normal to be under pressure because we didn’t reach our result in the Champions League,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“It wasn’t the owner who put me under pressure. He always supports me and is supporting me also in this moment.

“To be under pressure doesn’t mean I’m not safe. It’s normal to be under pressure. Under pressure I have more concentration.

“You have to look at the results. The results are not good and I have to take my responsibility and stay more in focus on my job.

“I have to use all my experience to give more opportunities to the players to do better.”

The 51-year-old revealed that a meeting took place between players and coaches last week in order to solve Chelsea’s recent run of form, and spoke of a positive outcome.

“It was a clear meeting. They spoke with objective thoughts. I was happy with that because I agreed with their opinions,” added the Italian.

“Last year the meeting was a bit different. We lost an important competition like the Champions League, the meeting had a different aim.

“We wanted to change direction, mentality, to focus the players on the Premier League. Last week the meeting was just to speak about football.

“I don’t think we’re lacking in motivation. We want to win the Premier League again and we want to win the Champions League.

“We still have that opportunity. We are in the last 16 in Europe and we’re top of the table. We didn’t do well in the last three or four games.

“I agree with the criticism. There’s good reason to be critical after these results.”

Chelsea will attempt to arrest their recent downturn in form this weekend with a tough trip to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle in Sunday afternoon’s early kick-off.