Cesar Azpilicueta enjoyed a remarkable career at Chelsea, making over 500 appearances across 11 successful seasons. He played a key role in winning major trophies, including the Premier League and the Champions League. In a recent conversation, the Spanish defender reflected on his time at the club, sharing insights into his consistent performance, his experiences with world-class managers, and the lessons he learned from his teammates.
🎯 A Disciplined Approach Was Key to Longevity
Azpilicueta credits his long and successful career at Chelsea to his incredible discipline. He explained that his daily routine was built around staying fit and available for every match. This meant spending a lot of time on recovery, stretching, and watching videos to analyse his performance. He was always critical of himself, constantly looking for ways to improve, even after a good game. This dedication and professional mindset earned him the trust of many different managers throughout his 11 seasons at the club.
🧠 Thriving Under Jose Mourinho’s Guidance
Playing under Jose Mourinho was a significant learning experience for Azpilicueta. He recalls how Mourinho controlled every detail and always seemed to be “one step ahead.” Although he didn’t play much at first, Azpilicueta felt Mourinho’s belief in him. He was encouraged to work hard and wait for his chance. That opportunity came when Mourinho moved him from his natural right-back position to left-back, where he excelled. Mourinho once said that if he had “11 Azpilicuetas,” his team would win the Champions League. Hearing this from a world-class manager motivated him to maintain a high standard every day.
🏆 Adapting Under Conte and Tuchel
Azpilicueta also highlighted his ability to adapt under different managers. With Antonio Conte, he remembers a demanding coach who bravely changed the team’s formation to a 3-4-3. The change worked brilliantly, leading to a 13-game winning streak and eventually the Premier League title. Azpilicueta found a new role as a right-sided centre-back and enjoyed the challenge. Later, under Thomas Tuchel, the team transformed mid-season. Tuchel’s clear vision helped the squad build momentum, leading them to win the Champions League just five months after his arrival.
🤝 Lessons from Legendary Teammates
Beyond his managers, Azpilicueta learned a great deal from his teammates. He mentioned John Terry as a major inspiration, particularly Terry’s ability to play every single minute of the 2014/15 title-winning season. This motivated Azpilicueta to do the same in 2017. He also praised N’Golo Kante for his incredible impact in midfield. Azpilicueta described Kante as a clever player who could cover every blade of grass, recover the ball when it seemed impossible, and make the defenders’ jobs much easier.
