LONDON -- Antonio Conte insisted that Chelsea will go into next season in a stronger position than when he arrived at the club in summer 2016, regardless of whether or not they finish in the Premier League's top four.
Chelsea must beat Newcastle United at St James' Park and hope Brighton defeat Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday to avoid failing to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three years.
Another season outside Europe's elite club competition would be a significant blow to Chelsea, who managed to win the Premier League title under Conte after finishing 10th in 2015-16 under Jose Mourinho and interim successor Guus Hiddink.
Conte pointed to this success as evidence that Chelsea's current regression need not become a more prolonged decline, and he believes that the club are better positioned for future success than they were at the same stage two years ago.
"If you remember last season, after a 10th place, we won the league," Conte said. "It was difficult. We worked very hard, but we won after a 10th-place finish. Now, probably, you can finish fifth and start [next season] with a bit of an advantage compared to when you finish 10th."
Asked how damaging he feels it would be for Chelsea to miss out on the top four, he replied: "I don't know. You must know that there is this possibility because you play in a strong league. For this reason, you have to know this and prepare in the right way.
"There are six top teams at the start of the season ready to fight for a place in the Champions League. It can happen. In the past, it happened the same.
"Don't forget two years ago, Chelsea ended the season 10th and not in the FA Cup final, not in the semifinals of the Carabao Cup, and they were eliminated in the last 16 against PSG in the Champions League. It can happen."
Conte is expected to leave Chelsea at the end of the season after months of public and private tensions with the club hierarchy over transfer policy, coupled with a collapse in results on the pitch in 2018.
But despite enduring numerous setbacks, he remained adamant that this season has been an enjoyable one.
"It's a great experience," he said. "We had two hard seasons, this season and last, but a fantastic season for me. It's OK.
"I think this league is great, is the toughest league in the world. To compete in this league, with so many teams and so many clubs very strong, it's always a great chance you have.
"I'm very happy. I'm very happy for last season. I'm very happy for this season. You learn in this job. If you are clever you continue to learn and improve yourself, to try and be better in the future."