Florent Malouda has warned Yuri Zhirkov he faces a battle if he wants his spot in Chelsea's midfield.

"Every player who joins Chelsea knows there will be competition," said the French winger.

"When you have ambitions to go far in every competition you must have a strong squad so there is naturally competition and everybody is ready for that.

"That's our job and we train hard to prove to the manager we deserve to play and to make sure we stay in the team. Last season I was performing really well. I had a stronger season so I'm still progressing and I'm close to my highest level."

 
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