Petr Cech wants new manager in place quickly

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech wants his side's new manager appointed as soon as possible to give them time to prepare for next year.

Rafael Benitez left his position as interim boss following the Blues' 2-1 win over Everton, while reports suggest that Jose Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge to replace the Spaniard.

"The earlier he can be here, he can start work on things and not leave it for the last moment," he told the London Evening Standard. "You give the new boss the time to prepare things.

"Every summer is important. If you have a bad summer, it can have consequences for the whole season. If you don't get people to rest and to have a very good pre-season, you can start the season chasing.

"This is not an ideal situation. Every summer at a club is important because you have some changes in the squad. We will have a new manager and have to prepare for the oncoming season."

Chelsea finished last season strongly by finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Europa League.