Thibaut Courtois Hopes for Good Start To Season & Avoid Repeat of Disastrous 2015-16 Campaign

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says it is important that they hit the ground running and avoid a repeat of their disastrous title defence in 2015-16. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail the 25-year old said: "A good start helps keep that level throughout the season. It happened to us two years ago. We didn't start well, but we can't think about that. We have to move forward and work hard and hope it doesn't happen." 

Chelsea kick off their season on Sunday at Wembley in the Community Shield against Arsenal, a fixture they lost 1-0 in 2015 which set off a terrible run of form in the Premier League. Three straight defeats in October meant Chelsea were in the relegation zone and back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth and Leicester meant Jose Mourinho was sacked. 

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Guus Hiddink came in and guided Chelsea to a 10th place finish but it was the worst title defence ever in Premier League history. 

That was until Leicester's defence last season as they finished 12th but Courtois admitted that the Foxes won't be disappointed with that tag: "For Leicester, the year they were champions was extraordinary for them. The year before they struggled until the last week to avoid relegation." 

"So for them it was maybe not bad to finish 12th. But for us, our aim is to fight for a title until the last day of the season. If not, to be as high as possible, but obviously with Champions League football." 

Chelsea have had a tricky pre-season, after beating Arsenal in China they were beaten by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. 

The Blues will be hoping for a second win over the Gunners in the traditional season opener at Wembley on Sunday before they open their Premier League season at home to Burnley on 12th August.