Tuesday, 25th June, 2013
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has explained that pre-season training is always difficult and it gets more daunting as it gets closer.
The Blues start their build-up to the new season from 17th July, as they look forward to playing games in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
Jose Mourinho’s side face Singha All-Star XI in the Singha Cup on 17th July at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The London giants then take on a Malaysia XI at the Shah Alam Stadium on 21st July.
Their Asian pre-season tour ends with a trip to Jakarta for the first time, for a clash against Indonesia XI at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
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“Pre-season is always difficult”, Cole told his club’s official site.
“I’ve spoken about it before, how hard it can be, when it’s that bit hotter than at home.
“I’ve done a lot of pre-seasons now and they never get easier. Each year you forget what you put yourself through but you need to do it – there are no short cuts”, he added.
The England international will start his second pre-season under Mourinho at Chelsea. He signed for the Blues on the transfer deadline day in 2006, and he took part in his first pre-season under the Portuguese tactician in a tour of America in the following year.
Looking back to the previous season, the 32-year-old explained that a break after the gruelling season was a much needed one.
“I think a lot of us needed the break after a tough season.
“It was the longest season the club had ever had, and we all played a lot of games.
“In the end I think we can be proud of what we achieved though, with picking up a European trophy and making sure we qualified for the Champions League.
“With the right preparation this time around I am sure we will be able to do even better”, he added.
Chelsea start their Premier League 2013/14 campaign with a clash against newly promoted Hull City on 17th August at Stamford Bridge.
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