Cesar Azpilicueta insists Chelsea are capable of closing the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool to challenge for the Premier League title this season, despite finishing 26 points off top spot last term.
The Blues are also in the middle of a transfer ban, but Azpilicueta is optimistic about the campaign ahead, Frank Lampard’s first since returning to the club as manager this summer.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 29-year-old explained that a title challenge is in Chelsea’s hands but it’ll require plenty of hard work if the club is to close the gap on the league’s two leading clubs.
Last season we finished third but it’s in our hands to try to reach the top. 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.
Despite a sticky start to pre-season where Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw with Bohemians and lost 1-0 to Kawasaki Frontale, goals from Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley earnt a 2-1 win against Barcelona in their most recent friendly.
Three more preparation matches lie in front of Lampard’s side – against Reading, RB Salzburg and Borussia Monchengladbach – before the 2019-20 season kicks off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 11 August.
