John Terry: Arsenal defeat could provide wake-up call

John Terry said that defeat to Arsenal in Sunday's Community Shield could serve as "a wake-up call" to his side as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.

The Chelsea captain said: "It was a different atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards. We haven't lost many at Wembley. With that in mind, it's maybe the boost we needed and we go again for the season.

“It could be a blessing in disguise for us – a wake-up call. We have experience in the squad, we have the character. It’s going to be even tougher this year.”

The loss brought an end to Chelsea’s run of 13 matches unbeaten against Arsene Wenger’s side, but the 34-year-old defender played down the significance of his side’s run against their rivals.

“It’s disappointing because it hasn’t happened too many times since I have been at the club. Losing is just horrible in all respects.

“Forget the record, there was a trophy on the line. It hurt when you saw them walk up the stairs to lift it. When you see them walk up, no matter if it’s a friendly or a Community Shield, it’s a trophy.

“That’s the mentality I was brought up in, that’s the same as the manager on a daily basis. That’s what he wants and demands from his players as well.”

Potential positives

Terry was keen to focus on the potential positives from the match. “I thought we were on top if anything. We got another 90 minutes under our belts – the players are still finding their feet and fitness.

“It’s served a good purpose for that, but obviously we’re disappointed we didn’t win.”

Chelsea’s defeat leaves them without any wins from their four pre-season matches to date, including a 4-2 defeat to New York Red Bulls. Arsenal, in comparison, have won five out of five.

"Yet Terry's central-defensive partner Gary Cahill was keen to play down the significance of the summer results.

Preseason is false

“It’s purely about fitness. When the points are there to be played for from next weekend, that’s when we are at the business end.

“Preseason is false in many ways because you’re changing the team, everyone’s getting minutes, everyone is trying to get fit and you’re training hard. You’re doing double training sessions before you play a game. We still have another week of that before we get down to business.

The Blues faced their former goalkeeper Petr Cech for the first time since his £10 million (€14 million) move to Arsenal, and Terry was unsurprised by a solid display from the Czech.

“It was typical from Pete – great as always. I think we have to get over the fact he’s left now.

“We have enough in our squad to concentrate on ourselves. We have another game on Wednesday [against Fiorentina], which will give a few other players and the late arrivals a chance to get a few more minutes.” Guardian service