The Standards Are High, Says Bertrand

- Leicester City host Chelsea at King Power Stadium on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off)
- Defender Ryan Bertrand has previewed the clash with his former side
- Bertrand is excited by the challenge which Thomas Tuchel's men will pose
- He also discusses his early months at the Club after joining the Foxes in the summer

The Foxes welcome Thomas Tuchel's men to King Power Stadium on Saturday for a 12:30pm kick-off knowing they can enjoy success against the west London outfit after defeating them twice last season – including in the final of the Emirates FA Cup at Wembley in May.

It's a new season, though, and the Blues have started in fearsome form, winning eight of their 11 Premier League fixtures so far, placing them at the very top of the early league standings. Speaking beforehand, Bertrand, a former Chelsea defender himself, offered an insight into City's preparations.

"We've been working really hard, just going through things as a team," the 32-year-old told LCFC TV in Seagrave. "We're really looking forward to the start of these fixtures. It's great for the international boys to get away, but it's always nice to play Premier League games.

"During the first week (of the international break), there's no build-up to a game at the weekend, but the intensity's still there. The objective is still to keep developing and improving. It's very intense training still."

Following three consecutive home games to end the month, Leicester will compete in nine fixtures across December, including ties in the UEFA Europa League and the Carabao Cup. It's a busy spell for the Foxes, but Bertrand is excited by the test which each individual game will pose.

"It's not a burden to us," the former Southampton left-back added. "You don't look at it and get daunted and think about there being so many games. It's fantastic, it's what we're here to do. We're here to play football and the more the merrier for us.

"It's been an amazing eye opener to come here and feel the connectivity of the Club. I've said before, from the ownership to the fans, the energy in the stadiums, it's been fantastic. I've come in and learned about new players, new systems, under a different manager, it's been great so far.

"I had a great time at Southampton, but the opportunity to come here was amazing to be a part of. I look to add my value to the games, bring my experience, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it."

Bertrand spent a decade at Stamford Bridge at the outset of his career, winning the UEFA Champions League, and he's excited to face his former side. However, if selected, the Southwark-born defender says there will be no distractions on the job at hand.

"I definitely always look forward to playing them," he explained. "They're doing really well at the moment. We're playing a fantastic squad. It's a game at home at King Power Stadium in front of our fans and we're looking to go and get a positive result.

"I have a fantastic history with them, but you're professional. When it comes to game time, you push everything to the side. You don't get caught up in the past so it takes your focus. You've a job to do at the weekend and you try and make it a good one.

"I've played with many players throughout my career and in different squads and this squad is right up there. When you look around the training pitch when we're training, we're keeping the levels high. That's why it breeds success because the standards within the squad are so high."

City's No.5 has been deployed in a variety of positions over the course of 2021/22 so far and is happy to adapt to new scenarios to help the team.

"It's been great," he continued. "It's part of the reason why I'm here. I'm quite versatile around the back. I can play left-back, wing-back or in the left of a three, so wherever I'm needed in the team for that specific moment, I'll add my value and do my best. You enjoy challenges.

"It's always nice to establish consistency, but you also enjoy the challenges of a specific tactic for one game. You rise to the occasion and you apply your abilities the best you can."

All times GMT.