Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta wants his team to fight for the Premier League title and feels that the team is close to meeting the levels Frank Lampard wants them to meet.
Last season, Chelsea won the Europa League and finished third in the Premier League under Maurizio Sarri who demanded a possession-based playing style from his team. Following Sarri’s departure to Juventus, Chelsea replaced him with Azpilicueta’s former teammate Frank Lampard.
Chelsea currently cannot sign any new players due to the transfer ban FIFA imposed upon them some months back.
Azpilicueta has said that the team is working hard and is close to meeting Lampard’s demands. The Spaniard told Sky Sports: “In my seven years here in Chelsea I have had a few different managers. It’s true that this summer is something different. We have a transfer ban that we never had [before].
We are not here to complain about any situation, we are here to work hard. We have a new manager, everyone is pushing really hard. I think the team is getting close to what the manager wants from us. We are looking forward to starting the season.”
Last season, Chelsea finished third in the Premier League which was two places above their position in 2017/18. However, they were way behind Liverpool and Manchester City. The Blues were 25 points Liverpool and 26 points behind City.
Azpilicueta has urged his team to give their all to try and win the title this year. The right-back said: Â “Well the truth is that last year they opened a big gap. They raised the level more than anybody could imagine. They have been working together with the group of players and the manager for a few years.
“But it’s up to us to raise our level by working hard, by having the focus and the mentality to fight for this title. Last season we finished third but it’s in our hands to try to reach the top.”
Chelsea start their Premier League campaign against Manchester United in Old Trafford after a fortnight.
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