Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz says last season's sanctions brought the squad closer together.

Havertz insists team spirit has strengthened during the turmoil.

“It was a crazy time for all of us," Havertz said of former owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned. "There were then a lot of changes in the club which was strange for all of us, but we came through it.

"I think it helps that in the team we all get to know each other and also in different or difficult situations that everyone is together so I think it helped us as well.

“I think we are a special group. We see that in the changing room away from the pitch and on the pitch. We have a lot of young players who are maybe the same age.

“We have a lot of experienced players and I think we all fit together very well. You see it off the pitch that it is hopefully going to be a special year for us."