Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has claimed that pre-season is the "most important part of the year" for the club.

The Blues will prepare for the new Premier League campaign next month with games in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

"Pre-season is the most important part of the year," Cech told the club's official website. "It's where you make the base for the season ahead, and you need to be ready from day one. You can't do it again during the season, it's too late.

"You have to get the squad gelled and in the best condition possible when the season starts. During the season the match fitness grows but your physical state is simply maintained from the start of pre-season."

The new Premier League fixtures list is due to be announced on May 19.

Written by
Jack Prescott