Azpilicueta keeping Chelsea fans in the dark

Fans have been kept guessing as to how Chelsea will line-up going forwards, such has been the variety of systems used by Antonio Conte during pre-season and beforehand with Italy.

And it seems full-back Cesar Azpilicueta is another of those in the dark.

The Blues have switched between a 4-2-4 and 4-3-3 formation in the warm-up games ahead of the new campaign, while Conte is known to be fond of fielding a back three.

Chelsea kick-off their Premier League campaign on Monday against London rivals West Ham and Azpilicueta has given no clues as to what we can expect.

But instead the Spain international believes it is important to remain open-minded to adjustments.

(Joachim Sielski/Bongarts/Getty Images)

“It’s important to be flexible in terms of formation,” Azpilicueta said.

“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 for 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.”