Cesar Azpilicueta: Chelsea squad key in busy December

Cesar Azpilicueta believes Jose Mourinho will have to make full use of his Chelsea squad during a demanding festive period.

The Blues, who won the Europa League crown last season, suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat by Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

And Azpilicueta, who has been keeping Ashley Cole benched in recent weeks, admits Chelsea will need a collective effort to get through nine games next month.

“We have nine games in December and that’s a lot,” Azpilicueta said.

“We need the whole squad, there are a lot of games and if we are to win trophies, we need everyone.

“The most important thing is the next game against Southampton, especially after beating West Ham we need to get three points at home.”

Azpilicueta admitted Chelsea had an off-day in Switzerland – and the Spaniard acknowledged the Blues must find a level of consistency.

“Sometimes it happens,” Azpilicueta added. “One day you play really well, three days later really bad.

“We don’t want to have this kind of movement in our performance because it’s important to keep your balance, to play well every day.

“Sometimes you cannot play very well but the most important thing is to win.

“Sometimes we don’t keep the level to win every game. For Chelsea that cannot be possible.

“Sometimes you can lose for sure, but I think we can play better and have better games.”