Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has predicted a "very exciting" season under new head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri has replaced Antonio Conte in the Stamford Bridge dugout, and there is every indication that the Blues will now play in a 4-3-3 formation rather than a 3-4-3.

That system was used as Chelsea defeated Perth Glory in a pre-season friendly on Monday, and Barkley has been left encouraged by the opening training sessions under Sarri.

The 24-year-old told the club's official website: "It has been very interesting. The style that he wants us to play, it is really exciting and very attacking, as well as being very organised.

"We have been understanding what he has been getting across in training, but the more we do it in training, the more we get used to it and I can see from the training sessions that this season is going to be very exciting."

Barkley is looking to kick-start his Chelsea career after making just four appearances during the second half of last season.