Kurt Zouma says communication and hard work has been behind Chelsea's recent defensive performances.

After conceding nine goals in their opening five games, the Blues have managed two consecutive clean sheets.

"Everyone's been training hard," Zouma told the club's website ahead of Wednesday's clash with Krasnodar.

"We played these two great opponents, but defensively we did a great job. I think in the last two games we've been doing great. I think the communication's been better too.

"Also I think just the lads made a really big effort to keep the clean sheet and everyone, we're all going the same way and we know each other better now.

"There's a lot of new players that came in, and with the players that were here last season, the mix has to come quicker. We don't have time to prepare a lot, we have a short time in training because there's many, many games coming, but we will get there soon hopefully and we just need to enjoy ourselves."