Meanwhile Jose Mourinho admits Chelsea’s lack of big transfers could be “dangerous” to their hopes of retaining the title.
Mourinho claims his players will have to be even better this season after they failed to bring in any of their top targets before the big Premier League kick-off.
They have had two bids turned down for Everton’s John Stones, not yet signed a left back and only brought in Asmir Begovic and Radamel Falcao to replace Petr Cech and Didier Drogba who left this summer.
Chelsea’s main Premier League rivals have all made significant signings and Mourinho is clearly concerned but - sounding like his arch rival Arsene Wenger - says their best strength is that they one year older and wiser.
“It’s dangerous. I think what you are saying, that saying, is right,” said Mourinho. “You say if you stand still you get worse. It’s right.”