Swansea boss Garry Monk hopes to build on last season's performances when the new campaign starts this weekend.

Monk takes his players to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face champions Chelsea.

"We put a terrific amount of work into the group last season," he said.

"The transition of the group was very big at the start.

"Twelve players out and eight in then two players in January. So we managed to get a good amount of work out of those guys and understanding how we were going to go about the job.

"This year was much easier. I brought four players in and made sure we did it early. I've had that time to prepare them into the squad and again just try and improve on what we did, the way of working, understanding.

"We have quality players at the club now and the competition is higher than probably ever before. Hopefully that's good enough for us to go into the season with.

"It's very difficult. We were so fantastic last season. To try and better that is going to be our aim and going to be our drive, but we're also realistic as well.

"I think the competition, the intensity of the pressure will be higher than ever before. I think it will be the hardest season the Premier League has ever seen for the simple fact that the TV money that kicks in the following season.

"You are seeing it now, teams are spending a lot of money improving their squads, and I think it's for that reason especially outside the bigger teams. The competition is going to be hard but that's why it's the best league in the world.

"It doesn't come any harder, the home of the champions. We're looking forward to it, we had a tough challenge last season, we had Man United away at Old Trafford and we did well.

"You've got to play everyone at some point. Last season Chelsea were the best team by far and they set the standard again this year, so I'm looking forward to the game."