Thomas Tuchel said upon the announcement of Chelsea’s pre-season tournament against London rivals Spurs and Arsenal that the matches “cannot fail to have a competitive edge” as he prepares his side for a Premier League title assault next season.

The Blues will face their fellow capital teams in early August, with a visit to the Emirates on August 1 and then a home game against Spurs four days later at Stamford Bridge which will bring Chelsea’s pre-season campaign to a close.

Add to that the UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal on August 11 in Belfast, with a trophy on the line meaning it is slightly more than just a pre-season game, Tuchel will learn a lot about his players and how they have recovered from the gruelling 2020/21 campaign and those players who will have been away for the Euros as well.

Chelsea have yet to say whether they will head abroad for a training camp this summer but with Covid travel restrictions probably still in place, it’s unlikely they will be venturing too far away from the UK, especially with three matches to be played close to home to round off pre-season.

The summer campaigns will usually see the Blues head off on a money-spinning tour well away from London, with the USA and Far East often a prime destination for Premier League clubs. Thanks to the pandemic, that’s unlikely to be the case for most this season.

Arranging some competitive friendlies in London, with the tournament sponsored by mental health charity Mind and with funds from the game set to be split between the charity and club Foundations, is a smart move.

Tuchel will be able to get a good look at the vast majority of his squad in those games. Those who progress to the latter stages of the Euros with their country will be given some extra time off but those who have had a rest so far will be expected to return to Cobham around July 10.

What Chelsea do between then and the friendly against Arsenal on August 1 isn’t yet known but having three highly competitive games will only help Tuchel’s side ahead of the Premier League season opener against Crystal Palace on August 14.

Speaking of the friendly announcement, Chelsea’s head coach said: “I am pleased that my first pre-season with Chelsea contains such high-level fixtures against such top-quality opponents. Hopefully there can be plenty of fans in the stadiums.

“Derby matches against Arsenal and Tottenham cannot fail to have a competitive edge, which is what the team needs as we prepare for the season, and knowing the games will benefit charities as important as Mind and our own Foundation adds much value to the series. It is super important that looking after mental health is highlighted at this time in history.”

Spurs, for all their issues off the pitch this summer as they struggle to replace Jose Mourinho more than two months after sacking him as manager, will provide a stern test for Tuchel, who will no doubt go as strong as he possibly can for the game to ramp up preparations.

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal did a number on Tuchel’s Blues at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League last season and also beat Chelsea, then under the stewardship of Frank Lampard, earlier in the campaign as well.

Chelsea are expected to provide a big challenge to the two Manchester clubs and Liverpool this season for the Premier League title. Playing some city rivals in derby games is the perfect preparation. While it might not have too much of a say in how the 2021/22 season goes as a whole, Tuchel will want to get his preparation for his first full season in charge, as reigning European champions no less, absolutely spot on before Crystal Palace head to Stamford Bridge in mid-August.