Kurt
Zouma says Chelsea must “improve everything” to get their Premier League
title defence back on track.
The defending champions have endured a poor start to the new season and were
defeated 2-1 by Crystal Palace - the team against whom they secured the
title in May - at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
It was Chelsea's second defeat of the campaign and only the second loss in
manager Jose Mourinho's 100 Premier League home matches, leaving them eight
points behind rivals Manchester City.
"We have to improve everything," Zouma told Chelsea TV.
"Mentally we have to improve. The season after we are champions, it's really
difficult to prepare ourselves.
"To improve is more difficult, but we have to improve ourselves and keep
going, keep working."
Bakary Sako's opener was cancelled out by Radamel Falcao's first Chelsea
goal, but Joel Ward restored Palace's lead to give the visitors' their first
win at Stamford Bridge in 33 years.
Gary Neville believes Chelsea’s players need a hard look at themselves after
their performances in the Premier League so far this season
And Zouma believes the international break comes at a good time for Chelsea,
who face Everton next at Goodison Park on September 12.
They could yet add Toffees defender John Stones to their ranks, but the
Merseyside club have so far resisted three big-money offers.
"We have to think about winning points and after the break will be good for
us, I think," Zouma added.
Mourinho felt Chelsea should have had a penalty when the game was goalless,
when Zouma had his shirt pulled by Connor Wickham.
"I think it was a penalty kick. The referee didn't whistle, but the game
wasn't over with that," Zouma said.
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