Azpilicueta relishing role in three-man Chelsea defence

Four years have passed since his move to south-west London and Cesar Azpilicueta has enjoyed over 150 games in a Chelsea shirt, but the defender admits Saturday’s win over Hull City was a day of firsts for him.

The 27-year-old played as part of a new-look Blues back-line, with Antonio Conte preferring to play with just three defenders for the trip to the KCOM Stadium.

With John Terry still injured, Azpilicueta started alongside David Luiz and Gary Cahill in the trio, with club vice-captain Branislav Ivanovic dropped to the bench.

And while the formation was new to him in Chelsea colours, the Spanish international believes it will help the side create more chances for in-form striker Diego Costa.

“The manager is always trying to find the best solution for the team and for the game,” he said.

“Last week we were working on the system, I trained in this position and I’m happy to help the team wherever the manager needs me.

“When you win, it means the training and the whole week was for the result.

“It’s my first time maybe that we play with three at the back at Chelsea from the start of a game. It is important for the team to have different solutions.

“We have players who can play different positions and this gives us more options for the team to be able to create more and be more competitive. It’s a big part for the team to change and to be able to manage different situations.

“It’s up to the manager to choose the best formation for every game. To make a good system, first of all, you have to work together, to run and fight together, to play together – then the system can make the difference.”