Blues defender ready to help improve Chelsea’s defensive issues

Defender Gary Cahill is committed to improving Chelsea’s defensive woes after a challenging start to the new season at Stamford Bridge, he said on BBC Radio 5Live.

The England international has come under heavy criticism for his performance in the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal a few weeks ago, mainly because he was at fault for the Gunners’ first goal just 11 minutes into the contest.

He was also picked out for his display against Liverpool, yet Cahill remains defiant and, although he doesn’t pay much attention to other people’s opinions, he acknowledges that he’s been below his best in recent weeks.

He said on 5Live: ‘I don’t care what anybody says, I don’t listen to anybody.

‘For me, my form up until Swansea was fine. I was playing well, I was happy.

‘But then I made a few big errors and we all know that when you make a few errors in football, basic ones as well, it gets noticed.’

Consequently, Cahill’s place in the team is under threat but, with injuries to captain John Terry and Kurt Zouma, it looks like the Englishman is going to get a chance to prove his worth to manager Antonio Conte.

Nevertheless, it does look like new boss Conte is seeking defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window in a bid to resurrect the Blues’ title challenge.

Chelsea are already five points behind leaders Manchester City, but an important 2-0 win at Hull City prior to the international break should give them momentum going into a crucial phase of the season.