Ben Guest
Cesar Azpilicueta is hoping Chelsea can make Stamford Bridge into somewhat of a fortress, admitting they haven’t been as ‘solid’ at home as they would have hoped.
Chelsea currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League as they look to secure their place in next season’s Champions League with 13 league games to go.
However, the majority (23) of their 41 points have come on the road, with Frank Lampard’s side picking up just 18 points at their west London home.
Next up for the Blues is a home game against fellow top-four chasers, Manchester United, and Chelsea captain Azpilicueta has called on his teammates to improve their home form.
“We haven’t made Stamford Bridge as solid as we would like this year,” Azpilicueta told the Chelsea website. “This is the best time to recover this solidity, with three big games in a row at home where we can show we are ready and able to make Stamford Bridge a tough place to come.
“With the fans we have had some disappointments at home altogether. When these three opportunities come we have to take them one by one, and hopefully we can build up on this. It’s key for the success of the season.”
Premier League clubs are enjoying their inaugural winter break, something which is commonplace elsewhere in Europe, and Azpilicueta admitted he is enjoying the opportunity to ‘switch off’ in what has been a hectic period of football.
“It’s nice to have a few days to switch off,” he said.
“At the top level you need a high level of fitness, but also on the mental side you need to be focused and concentrated. With this break we have the chance to switch off for a few days, and get some fresh air. Then we will come back, do some work, and kick on for the last three or four months of competition with the power of the break behind us.
“They did well to fit it in the middle of the season, which is not easy with the busy schedule. I will have some time with my family, and live without any rush or any travelling. It’s nice to spend time with them. They support me through the year, and at the weekends we are off travelling. For us to spend a nice time together is important.”
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