COURTOIS WARNING AGAINST SLOW START

THIBAUT COURTOIS has warned Chelsea they can’t afford to start the season slowly if they want to avoid a repeat of their 2015 meltdown. In the 2015-16 season the champions finished the season in mid-table after not winning a game in normal time in pre-season and losing the Community Shield to Arsenal. Leicester’s title defence followed a similar pattern last season. ‘A good start helps keep a high level throughout the season,’ said goalkeeper Courtois. ‘Two years ago we didn’t start well. We have to work hard and hope it doesn’t happen this time. ‘Our aim is to fight for the title until the last day of the season.’