Levi Colwill says Chelsea are learning with every game

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill believes the squad is developing and improving as a team every time it takes the pitch, and he is excited for the chance to show that in the upcoming matches.

Results have been mixed since the last international break. Chelsea won back-to-back Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Everton, then lost to Tottenham Hotspur and exited the Carabao Cup on penalties in a narrow defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Colwill stressed that the side under manager Xabi Alonso is still learning and taking every opportunity to gel and improve. 'Every day we're learning and we're coming closer together as a team,' said the defender. 'I think we take something from each performance, win or lose.'

'We're really starting to become a unit and believe and want to fight for each other. I think this season, when we go into really good form, we can try and push up the league as much as we can, and hopefully win a competition in there too. But we've got some really big games coming up and we're excited for them.'

The next of those games is Saturday's early kick-off, when Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Colwill said the learning process applies to individual players as well. 'I feel like you always learn things when you play; every season I learn something new,' he said.

Asked about the most important lesson he has learned as a footballer, Colwill pointed to his early days. 'Probably for me, compared to when I first started, making my debut, it'd probably just be to try and meet the team and be a big character. When I was younger, it's a lot harder and I know I was much quieter than I am now.'

'I like to try and talk as much as possible, give them as much confidence as possible. So probably just be a leader and speak that bit further.'

Colwill also pointed to Alonso's influence in the dugout. He said the manager's technical ability on the training pitch commands the respect of his players, and that he was impressed from their first conversation in the summer.

'His technique that he shows every day on the football pitch is insane. He could still be playing out there somewhere,' Colwill added.

'So when you're doing sessions with him and he can make a pass that the majority of players out there can't do, it really humbles you a bit.

'My first conversation with him was in pre-season. It was just a get-to-know-him conversation, to know a little about him.

'Of course, he would've heard a little bit about me from the other coaches and players maybe. But it was a really chill conversation. It gave me a lot of confidence and I was really excited to get to work with him, and I have been really happy working with him.'