Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has conceded that he was "so happy" to learn that his side will be at home on the opening day of the Premier League season.
The fixtures for the campaign ahead were released earlier today and on Saturday, August 17, the Blues will welcome newly-promoted Hull City to Stamford Bridge.
Despite insisting that it will be a "hard start" for his players, Mourinho has admitted that he is pleased with how the first weekend has panned out for his team.
"Starting the season at home is a great way for our supporters to show the players they are ready to be behind the team all the way, and at the same time it is a great way for the players to show how much they are motivated and committed," he told the club's official website.
"I am so happy to start at the Bridge, but at the same time Hull City is a team who were promoted from the Championship and they will have that spirit, even if now they are in the Premier League. So it is an emotional but a hard start."
You can view a full list of Chelsea's fixtures for the 2013-14 season here.
Liam Apicella
