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Gary Cahill: 'Chelsea not concerned by pre-season form'

Gary Cahill claims that Chelsea's pre-season form is not a concern for anyone at the club ahead of their Premier League opener against Swansea City.

Gary Cahill has insisted that Chelsea's pre-season form is not a concern to anyone in the dressing room as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.

Penalty shootout triumphs over Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are the only victories Chelsea have tasted this summer, and they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday.

However, Cahill believes that the condition of the squad is all that matters as Jose Mourinho continues his preparations for Saturday's opener against Swansea City.

"Pre-season is purely about fitness. When the points are there to be played for from next weekend, that's when we are at the business end," the England centre-back told reporters.

"Pre-season is false in many ways — you're changing the team, everyone's getting minutes, everyone is trying to get fit and you're training hard. You're doing double training sessions before you play a game.

"We are confident we have a good squad. There are a number of teams hoping they will be up there, but it's all talk at this stage. Let's wait to see how the season goes."

Chelsea meet Fiorentina in their final pre-season game on Wednesday.

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Gary Cahill of Chelsea celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 1, 2013
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