Chelsea's Premier League title challenge to Manchester City has faded dramatically in recent weeks as Eden Hazard's goals have dried up to leave Maurizio Sarri's men 10 points adrift of the champions ahead of Saturday's clash between the sides at Stamford Bridge.
Even in the midst of an 18-game unbeaten run after City eased past the Blues 2-0 in the Community Shield in August, Sarri insisted Chelsea wouldn't be able to last the pace against a team he considers the best in Europe.
However, the Italian admitted his concern at the scale of his side's downturn in recent weeks as defeats at Tottenham and then at Wolves where Chelsea capitulated from 1-0 up to lose 2-1 on Wednesday.
Those losses as well as a goalless home draw with Everton mean Chelsea are hanging onto their top-four place only on goal difference.
"City are the best team in Europe, maybe the best in the world," said Sarri.
"Manchester City are in another category. We have to play and to fight to be in the top four."
- Silva lining to De Bruyne absence -
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