Cahill wants Chelsea to prove their Champions League calibre against Azerbaijani champions Qarabag.
The Blues were not in any European competition last year after a disastrous campaign in 2015/16, when Jose Mourinho was sacked mid-way through the campaign and they went on to finish 10th in the Premier League.
It was the first time in 20 years that Chelsea were not involved in Europe and they had featured in every Champions League group stage since 2003-04.
Cahill, who won the Champions League with Chelsea back in 2012, said: “We feel we’re back where we belong, which is among some of the very best teams.”
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has Champions League pedigree both as a coach and a player. During his playing days he reached four finals, winning once, and he took Juventus to the quarter finals once as boss of the Bianconeri.
He wants to make his mark with Chelsea, but he knows it will take time.
“In the Champions League we are starting a path and it will be very important to start building something important,” he said.
“To win a competition, you need to work very hard, to improve over years and to grow step by step and to become like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich… Juventus are the same now.
“You don’t create a big strong team easily.”
Conte has said he plans on rotating his players for their second of seven games in September, but England defender Cahill is desperate to play, having misses the last three league games through suspension after his sending off against Burnley on the opening day.
The club captain said: “I feel like my season’s just starting. I’m itching to play.”
Conte also spoke about the tough schedule his side faces in the next few weeks.
The Italian said: “You are never relaxed in England, because you have to play a tough league and also in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
“In my past, sometimes before a Champions League game you rested. In England it’s not easy to do this.”
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