Losing two titles to Manchester United last season has made Chelsea determined to give the champions a run for their money this term, Blues captain John Terry said.

Chelsea, who were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup final, lost to United on penalties in the Champions League final in May and were also pipped to the Premier League title by Alex Ferguson's men in a frustrating season.

"We were nearly there last year, almost won the Carling (League) Cup, almost won the Premier League, almost won the Champions League. Very close but it wasn't enough," Terry told a news conference.

"We have to raise the bar this year and set ourselves the bar to win the Premier League, to win the FA Cup and get back to the final of the Champions League and win it."

Chelsea had won two consecutive league titles under former coach Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006 before United wrested back the trophy with back-to-back successes.

"I can sit here and give them credit but it doesn't make it easier seeing them with that (Premier League) trophy that we had sort of made ours... we obviously want that back, that is what we are aiming for," Terry said.

"I think they know that every year we are going to give them a run for their money."

Terry said new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari had made tactical changes and that the team had been strengthened by the arrival of their two Portuguese signings, playmaker Deco, from Barcelona, and Jose Bosingwa from Porto.

Chelsea have also retained the services of inspirational midfielder Frank Lampard.

"I never realised how good he (Deco) was," Terry said.

"He's probably one of the best. He can pass the ball, he has got a great touch, he opens up defences, he just makes it look so easy," Terry said, adding that the team would be playing a more attacking football this season.

Looking ahead to Sunday's opener against FA Cup holders Portsmouth, Terry said: "We need to start well and get ourselves flying and keep winning. We need to get a super start and we'll be alright."