The defeat made it one win from their last nine league games for Chelsea, who are nine points behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more.

The Londoners missed several decent chances and hit the post, through Didier Drogba, but stubborn Wolves were good value for their hard-fought win.

Chelsea are in their worst run of form since the 1995-96 season and Ancelotti, who maintains he does not fear for his job, is aware better is expected and demanded.

“I think it’s obvious we are not good enough in this moment,” he said.

“But the team has the skill, the ability, the character, the personality to move on. It’s important to stay compact, to stay together and to work hard for each other.”

Asked if he was confident he was the right man for the job, the Italian added: “Yes, I know this team very well and I’m sure than this moment will change and we will be able to fight for everything this season.”

The former AC Milan boss admitted the decision over his future could be taken out of his hands, although he does not have a meeting planned with owner Roman Abramovich.

“It’s not my decision I hope I can continue this job, because I would like to stay here and I have a good relationship with the players and with the club,” he said.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy praised the effort of his players as they recorded a win which took them out of the bottom three.

“For effort and endeavour they never leave a drop on the pitch,” he said. “They give me everything, for which I’m hugely thankful and proud of.

“We sometimes lack a bit of quality and sometimes make mistakes – and that’s me included – but as a unit they’re fabulous in terms of what they give me.

“We played 4-4-2 against the much-lauded 4-4-3 and I asked them to do certain things. You can ask them, but it’s the players who deserve the credit and the plaudits for doing it. They have to work blooming hard to play that way and they did.”