We didn’t need to reach the knockout stage to realise what we could achieve at the Club World Cup. We felt we had a chance from day one; we’ve always had that confidence in ourselves.

It wasn’t easy to get out of our group. I know you’ve heard about the weather and that was a challenge for all of us. We faced good teams, too, so we’ve had to stay focused and give our maximum. That’s what has got us through.

Every experience we have out here – and back home – helps us develop as a team. Most of the boys are the same age, so we’re discovering new things and overcoming tough moments together. It’s what makes us stronger.

I spend more time with the French-speaking players because it’s my first language, but I feel like I’m close to everyone. It’s a great group of guys and everyone gets along on and off the pitch. I feel that helps us in matches because you understand each other well.

Don’t get me wrong, though: we all want to play. That competitiveness is natural and it comes with being at a club like Chelsea. You’ve got to be ready to give your best every day.

It means everyone is giving that extra ten per cent, and that only helps push the team forward. I know there is more to come from me and I definitely want to show that in the weeks and months ahead.

I feel good at the moment and I’ve played minutes in every game of the Club World Cup so far. I just have to keep on going because – and I said this recently in an interview – the biggest credit a footballer can have is being available.

If you have that, then it’s down to the boss to make his decision as to whether or not you play. Obviously, I’ve known him longer than most in the squad and I really enjoy working with him.

He has a very clear football philosophy and very clear ideas, and these match what I can bring on the pitch. I enjoy my football with him and feel he understands the players well, which helps enormously.

Yesterday we arrived in Miami, and we have a couple of days here before we travel for our game against Benfica. It’s a great city but we’re here to work and, thankfully, it’s a bit cooler than Philadelphia!

We know it only gets tougher as the Club World Cup progresses. There are great teams here from across the world and they all have the same ambition. Ours is no different.

So we will stay focused, motivated and make sure we’re ready for what’s to come.

See you in Charlotte.

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