Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta wants Antonio Conte to use 'flexible formations' in the Premier League title race

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Sam Long10 August 2016

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta believes Antonio Conte's tactics need to be "flexible" in the Premier League title race next season.

Conte took charge at Stamford Bridge earlier this summer and has trialled a variety of formations during the club's pre-season fixtures, which culminated in a 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen.

Diego Costa and Oscar both impressed against the Bundesliga outfit but questions over N'Golo Kante's role remain ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener against West Ham.

And Azpilicueta has warned that Chelsea cannot afford to be rigid in their approach as they attempt to challenge for silverware in Conte's maiden season in English football.

"It’s important to be flexible in terms of formation," the Spain international told the club's official website.

"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," Azpilicueta added.

Chelsea finished 10th last season but, with no European football on offer in west London, will be expected to secure a place in the top four at the very least in the forthcoming campaign.

Having fallen below the standards expected at Stamford Bridge last term, Azpilicueta is adamant he and his teammates are striving for perfection as they prepare to face Slaven Bilic's side.

"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," insisted the full back.

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