Chelsea midfielder Oscar has urged his teammates to be "strong and confident" ahead of a competitive new season.

The Blues suffered the worst title defence in Premier League history last term, eventually finishing 31 points off champions Leicester City in 10th place.

Asked if he thought the players owed something to the fans, Oscar told The Sun: "Yes - and the players and fans must be strong and confident for the new season.

"Everyone knows that last season we didn't play well. But with the calibre of players we have in our squad, we've a chance to do well this season.

"Last season, we had a lot of problems, had many injuries and didn't play for titles. Always in the past we were playing for titles and last season we won nothing. It's difficult to explain but now everyone is fresh for the new season. We will try to be successful."

New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been experimenting with a new 4-2-4 formation in pre-season, which has seen Oscar switched to a defensive midfield role.

"It's been a bit different for me because I've always played number 10 but here I am doing a bit more defending," the Brazilian added. "But I can play attacking or defensive to help Mr Conte and the team."

Chelsea have pre-season fixtures against Liverpool, Real Madrid, Milan and Werder Bremen to come before welcoming West Ham United to Stamford Bridge in their first game of the Premier League campaign on August 15.