Chelsea are tactically flexible – Azpilicueta

Azpilicueta's late slip proved costly

Cesar Azpilicueta says Chelsea have worked on several plans in pre-season to give them the best chance of beating West Ham in Monday’s Premier League opener.

New Blues boss Antonio Conte has experimented with different formations in warm-up matches, including 4-1-4-1, 4-2-4 and last season’s 4-2-3-1, and used three centre-backs during Euro 2016 while in charge of Italy.

Azpilicueta – who is expected to start at left-back against the Hammers – said the players have taken to each system and feel comfortable switching between them.

He told Chelsea’s official website: “It’s important to be flexible in terms of formation.

“Every time the manager tries the best solution so we, the players, have to be ready to adapt to play in every system.

“The target is always the same, to beat the opponent, and with the different formations we can play we always have the ability to do that.

“We will try to get as close as possible to perfection as we can, even if it’s hard. We are ready to work for that.

“We have a good few more days of training before the season starts. The games are finished, and now it’s time to focus on West Ham. We are excited.”