Gary
Cahill wants Chelsea to send a message to their Premier League rivals by
laying down a marker for the season in Sunday’s Community Shield clash with
Arsenal at Wembley.
Chelsea cruised to their first league title in five years last season, but
new and improved challenges are expected from the likes of Arsenal,
Manchester City and Manchester United during the 2015/16 campiagn.
All three clubs have strengthened significantly during the summer and are
likely to provide tough opposition to Chelsea as they attempt to retain the
title.
Cahill played down the effect that Sunday’s result could have on their
season, but nevertheless wants a victory.
"It won't have an impact on the season as a whole, but it's a marker,"
Cahill said.
"Every time you take to the field you want to win the game. It's a big game,
against a local rival and good opposition. It will be a good test for us."
Cahill is aware of how difficult it will be for his side to successfully
retain the title they won last term.
He added: "A lot of teams have strengthened again this year. The league is
as competitive as it's ever been. It's going to be very tough.
"People want to beat the champions. We were in the same situation. We're
going to have that this year.
"We did it last year. We want to try to do it again this year."
The meeting between the two sides will also see new Arsenal goalkeeper Petr
Cech come up against his former side for the first time.
Cech ended an 11-year association with Chelsea in the summer, joining their
London rivals in a deal worth £10.9m.
When asked about facing Cech, Cahill added: "It will be strange.
"He was part of the fixtures and fittings at Chelsea, for many, many years.
"Top goalkeeper, great guy, but it's down to business and I'm sure he'll
feel the same way.
"Everyone's professional and everyone will want to do the job and get the
right result for their team."
top