CHELSEA defender Cesar Azpilicueta has warned his team-mates not to make the same mistakes in their last title defence.
Chelsea clinched the Premier League title in the 2014/15 campaign but manager Jose Mourinho lasted just five months into the following season.
Mourinho was sacked at Stamford Bridge with the Blues languishing dangerously above the relegation zone having made their worst start to a campaign since 1979.
Chelsea eventually slumped to an embarrassing 10th-place finish – and Azpilicueta hopes the Blues have learned from their mistakes.
The Blues kick-start their campaign at home to Burnley on August 12.
“We know after being champions of the Premier League, every team we are going to face, they want to win more than before so we know that it is going to be harder.
“That is what we are working on in pre-season, to get into the best shape as soon as possible and to fight for it because it is a big challenge.
“We are back in the Champions League, we are the current Premier League champions and we have a big season ahead of us.”
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has wasted no time in strengthening his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Blues have spent in excess of £130million on Alvaro Morata, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Antonio Rudiger and Willy Caballero – a free signing – so far.
Source:www.express.co.uk