Speak with Malo Gusto ahead of Brighton's visit to Stamford Bridge and the message is clear from the French defender. A return to winning ways in the Premier League is the sole focus.

After a demanding seven days for Enzo Maresca's side - which included trips to the Allianz Arena in Munich and Manchester United's Old Trafford - the Blues showed resilience on Tuesday night to come back from a goal down at Lincoln City to secure safe passage to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Gusto is hopeful that the confidence and good feeling from the LNER Stadium will translate into this weekend’s fixture, as we prepare to welcome Fabian Hurzeler's side to the Bridge.

While recognising recent results have been inconsistent, the 22-year-old insists the Blues will learn from challenging experiences and will be able to use them as we prepare for another busy week of action, starting on Saturday.

‘It will be important to get back to winning ways in the Premier League,’ Malo said. 'That's our aim.

‘Of course, we know that the previous games have been tough for us. It will be important for the group, the team and the fans as well, especially at Stamford Bridge, to get back to winning ways. That’s our target and we will be prepared for that.

‘Our win against Lincoln was helpful for our confidence, and to feel that good sensation. It wasn’t an easy game, and we had to come back from a goal down. We stuck together and showed that team spirit. We will try to improve as much as possible.’

Honing in on why the Blues have sometimes struggled as of late, Malo was candid in his assessment.

He continued: ‘We know that we have missed some details in our previous games, and that’s why we didn’t win. I think it’s in terms of the little details on the pitch, our plan, our desire and to give our best. That’s why you need confidence, and, against Brighton, it will be a perfect opportunity to get that back.

While encouraged by our midweek victory, Gusto is aware Brighton will pose very different questions this weekend. The Seagulls' technical ability and attacking threat will mean the Blues have to be at our best.

‘Brighton have a lot of qualities throughout their team,’ Gusto said. ‘They play well, but we will have a plan for sure to try to beat them.

'We will have to stick together to do that and to keep building our confidence – it will be an important one to win.’

The France international has been virtually an ever-present under Maresca this season, featuring in six of our seven fixtures. He is enjoying learning from the coaching staff and has relished getting to grips with the challenge posed by opposition teams.

‘Maresca has asked many things of me, and I’m enjoying it,’ Gusto added.

‘I always try to give my best. I can play many positions, but the most important thing for me is to perform on the pitch and to continue to improve as a player and try to help the team as much as possible.’