John Terry admits 'no-one is safe' as competition for Chelsea first-team places increases.The Blues captain has been a regular in the side since Jose Mourinho took charge at Stamford Bridge three seasons ago.
However, the arrival of Tal Ben Haim from Bolton, the recall of Glen Johnson from a season-long loan at Portsmouth, and the expected deal for PSV Eindhoven's Alex, will see competition for defensive starting places increase.
"It's very exciting when you know you've got players behind you always pushing," Terry said.
"Every game is vitally important to keeping your place, you can't let a performance go astray.
"If you do the manager or the other players behind you are going to be knocking at your door.
"No-one is safe, no-one at all, the manager made that quite clear to me when he gave me the armband.
"I certainly know that with Chelsea and England and I definitely won't be taking that for granted this season."
Terry played for 45 minutes alongside Johnson in the Tuesday's 1-0 friendly win over Suwon Bluewings in California, but it has since been reported the centre-back sustained a broken toe on his right foot during the match.
However, it is hoped that the break is not too serious and that the 26-year-old could still appear in Saturday's friendly against David Beckham's new side Los Angeles Galaxy.
Beckham is currently in a race against time to be fit in time for the meeting himself as he bids to recover from an ankle injury.
Terry, though, is optimistic both he and Beckham will be ready to face each other.