Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says hard work is pivotal if his side is to recover from back-to-back defeats in the English Premier League.
The Blues lost against Liverpool and Arsenal as they dropped to 8th place in the table.
The 47-year-old is convinced that the gap at the top of the table can be closed but his players have to understand that they have to work extremely hard in the coming weeks.
"It's never good when you lose two games," the Italian said.
"But I also think in these two games we learnt a lot of important things and we must work very hard to recover.
"It's important not to forget the past, because the past is very clear. We finished 10th last season and that means there were problems. Now, with great work and hard work we are trying to sort the situation; me, the players and the club together.
"We don't have a magic wand to change the situation in a few months. We must work hard together and we are doing this. We must understand that only through hard work can we close the gap.
"I think we faced two very strong teams who are at the top and we have a lot to improve.
"He's [John Terry] not available because he's not recovered from his ankle injury.
"I think we will see him after the international break. Mikel has a small problem but all the other players are available."
