Florent Malouda has declared Chelsea are ready to prove their Premier League title winning credentials by beating Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Blues have made short work of lesser lights West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic, Stoke City, West Ham United and Blackpool in the early weeks of the season. The quality of opposition has led some critics to deminish the achievement, with sterner tests against the two high-flyers lined up.
However, the France international insists everyone will see the strength of Carlo Ancelotti's side in the next fortnight.
"People don't believe what we have done up until now has been that great because they say we have had easy games," he said. "This will show we're ready for any kind of opposition.
"A lot of people see these two games as a test but we're ready. For us it could be our opportunity to prove that we're champions and we will defend our title at any price. Both will be tough opponents but we have confidence in ourselves and the way we are working.
"We're trying to improve on what we did last season. We didn't come back thinking we are champions so it will be easy. We know there is going to be pressure but we have experienced players who are ready to handle that. We're much better under pressure so now we just have to stay calm.
"Manchester City was the only team to do the double over us last season and that could be a big motivation for us. I know they're getting better and bought a lot of good players.
"There will be a big atmosphere and their players will be waiting for that game. Maybe it is a way for their team to show they're ready to challenge for the title so we are going there to defend our title. Last year was difficult for us but we'll go there to try and get the points.
"We're aware that the season is long and you don't win anything in September. We have to carry on and keep our focus.
"I know it's going to be tight until the end of the season and when the other teams drop points we must try to take the opportunity. We're ready to succeed, that's why in training we work very hard.
"We are using our experience of last year and know nothing is easy. We won the League by one point on the last day so we're preparing for the same situation this season.
"There are always compliments when you win and scoring lots of goals but if you lose balance you can always have a bit of a surprise."
The Blues have made short work of lesser lights West Bromwich Albion, Wigan Athletic, Stoke City, West Ham United and Blackpool in the early weeks of the season. The quality of opposition has led some critics to deminish the achievement, with sterner tests against the two high-flyers lined up.
However, the France international insists everyone will see the strength of Carlo Ancelotti's side in the next fortnight.
"People don't believe what we have done up until now has been that great because they say we have had easy games," he said. "This will show we're ready for any kind of opposition.
"A lot of people see these two games as a test but we're ready. For us it could be our opportunity to prove that we're champions and we will defend our title at any price. Both will be tough opponents but we have confidence in ourselves and the way we are working.
"We're trying to improve on what we did last season. We didn't come back thinking we are champions so it will be easy. We know there is going to be pressure but we have experienced players who are ready to handle that. We're much better under pressure so now we just have to stay calm.
"Manchester City was the only team to do the double over us last season and that could be a big motivation for us. I know they're getting better and bought a lot of good players.
"There will be a big atmosphere and their players will be waiting for that game. Maybe it is a way for their team to show they're ready to challenge for the title so we are going there to defend our title. Last year was difficult for us but we'll go there to try and get the points.
"We're aware that the season is long and you don't win anything in September. We have to carry on and keep our focus.
"I know it's going to be tight until the end of the season and when the other teams drop points we must try to take the opportunity. We're ready to succeed, that's why in training we work very hard.
"We are using our experience of last year and know nothing is easy. We won the League by one point on the last day so we're preparing for the same situation this season.
"There are always compliments when you win and scoring lots of goals but if you lose balance you can always have a bit of a surprise."
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