In the first part of an exclusive interview with Flashscore, César Azpilicueta reflected on more than a decade of competing for silverware at Chelsea under some of the game’s most iconic managers.

César, thank you for joining us. Over 11 seasons and more than 500 games for Chelsea, was there a habit or routine that helped you maintain consistency at the club?

Azpilicueta: “I’m very disciplined. I focus on routines to stay fit and available. My goal was always to be ready for the next game. I’m grateful for the confidence I received from many managers during my 11 seasons and for the incredible moments I enjoyed.”

When you say discipline, what does that entail? Training, diet, rituals?

Azpilicueta: “Everything. I try to maintain balance—after wins and losses. Mentally, I’m very self-critical and always strive for perfection. Even after good performances, I analyze videos, focus on recovery, physio, stretching—everything to be 100%. England is demanding, and I did everything I could to be prepared.”

We have to talk about José Mourinho, who converted you from right back to left back. He once called you the best left back in the league during the 2014/15 Premier League-winning season. What made him special?

Azpilicueta: “He controlled everything. You could feel his experience and foresight. I learned a lot from him. Initially, it wasn’t easy—I arrived late from the Confederations Cup, the team was settled, and I wasn’t part of the starting lineup—but I always felt his confidence.

“Branislav Ivanovic was our right back and Ashley Cole was a legend at left back. It was challenging, but I learned from them and from José. Then Filipe Luis arrived, one of the best left backs at the time, which gave me competition and pushed me to step up. Playing alongside John Terry on the left side was like a masterclass in defending. I’m very grateful for that experience.”

Mourinho once said, “If we had 11 Azpilicuetas, we would win the Champions League.” What does that mean to you now?

Azpilicueta: “Hearing that was humbling. It was chaotic in my head at first, but it was an incredible compliment from one of the best managers in the world. It gave me the challenge to set a standard for myself.”

You’ve played under many great coaches, including Antonio Conte. How would you describe him and his impact at Chelsea?

Azpilicueta: “He was very demanding and took risks with the squad. He tried 4-2-4, then 4-3-3, and eventually switched to 3-4-3. That change sparked a 13-game winning streak, six clean sheets in a row, and set us up to win 30 out of 38 Premier League games—a record at the time. I also played as right centre-back, which I really enjoyed.”

Then came Thomas Tuchel, arriving mid-season and lifting the Champions League just months later. What was his biggest impact?

Azpilicueta: “Mid-season managerial changes are never easy. We weren’t performing well, but Tuchel was very clear about how he wanted us to play. We built momentum step by step. Defensively, we became stronger, and his approach with the ball helped us recover possession high up the pitch and create chances. In five months, we qualified for the Champions League, won it, and reached the FA Cup final. The transformation of the team was remarkable.”

Back to the 2014/15 winning squad—John Terry played every game, all 90 minutes. What did you learn from him, and how did it feel playing alongside him?

Azpilicueta: “I learned a lot from him. He set an example in 2017 that motivated me. He played at the highest level every day, led as captain, and was a key figure in the team. When I had the chance later, I tried to replicate that standard.”

Azpilicueta: “He was commanding in midfield, covering every space. He had excellent awareness and always picked the right options. Defensively, he seemed to be everywhere—recovering balls even before anyone expected it. As a defender, having him in front gave you immense confidence because you knew he had your back.”