Chelsea's Ashley Cole expects tough pre-season with Jose Mourinho

Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole has admitted that he is expecting a "difficult" pre-season with new manager Jose Mourinho.

The England international and his Blues teammates are due to fly to Asia for two weeks before spending time in the United States for the International Champions Cup.

"Pre-season is always difficult. I've spoken about it before, how hard it can be, when it's that bit hotter than at home," Cole told the club's official website. "I've done a lot of pre-seasons now and they never get easier."

The 2013-14 Premier League season begins on the weekend of August 17.