Man City vs Chelsea: Maurizio Sarri takes responsibility as pressure rises following humiliating loss to dent top four hopes

The Blues dropped to sixth in the table behind Arsenal and Manchester United in the hunt for Champions League football next season

Maurizio Sarri has taken responsibility for Chelsea's slump after seeing his side thrashed 6-0 by Manchester City to damage their hopes of a top four finish.

Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick to down a shell-shocked Blues side who fell to sixth in the Premier League table, a point off Manchester United in fourth in the battle to qualify for the Champions League.

The Italian insists he did not see the result coming either, with a good feeling in the build-up to the game, but the former Napoli manager has taken ownership of his predicament.

"I think that it's right [that I'm under pressure], I'm in charge of the team," Sarri said on Sky Sports.

"My feeling during the week was really good during the training, in the moment, I don't know, maybe the goal we conceded after three minutes, it was difficult to play.

"Very difficult not to give them spaces, we were in trouble. I think we made a lot of mistakes against the wrong opponent, they played really fantastic football, we made a lot of mistakes.

"We wanted to press them at the beginning of the action, but then the plan was completely done, it was really difficult.

Maurizio Sarri appears frustrated as Chelsea go down vs Man City (EPA)

Chelsea have struggled away from home, losing 6-0 and 4-0 in their last two trips away from Stamford Bridge, and Sarri admitted he is worried about their recent collapse in form.

“I don’t know,” he said after being asked whether he feared for his job. “You have to ask the club. I am worried about my team. I am worried about the performance but my job is always at risk so I am not worried about the club.”

The Italian manager publically questioned Chelsea’s mentality and desire following their defeat against Arsenal in December, but had no problem with their effort against City. “My feeling today was really very good. The motivation was at the right level,” he said.

“We started well then we conceded the goal after four minutes in a stupid way. In that moment, we needed to stay in the match and we were not able to because we made a lot of mistakes against the wrong opponents. They played really fantastic football today.”

"I think the big difference between the two teams was the intensity of the pressing, they pressed really well, with a high intensity, we were not able to do it.

"I think at the moment we have a big problem away.

Chelsea next face Malmo in the Europa League, before Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup.