This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
July 10, 2019 - Chelsea's new manager, Frank Lampard, made a promising start to his tenure with a 1-1 draw against Irish side Bohemians in his first match in charge.
Striker Michy Batshuayi put Chelsea ahead in the eighth minute, but trialist Eric Molloy levelled the score late on to snatch a draw at Dalymount Park in Dublin.
Lampard, who replaced Maurizio Sarri this month, prioritized the team's fitness ahead of the new season, implementing a taxing pre-season program to achieve his goal.
"I have a way of working that can be taxing on the players and we wanted to get straight into it... I want to stretch them because that's what pre-season is all about," Lampard said in an interview with Chelsea's website.
He emphasized the importance of fitness and intensity in the team's game, praising the players' attitude in taking on the challenges of his training program.
"We have to because we want fitness and intensity in our game. I'm happy not just with how they've practically done things but with their attitude in taking everything on," Lampard added.
Chelsea will kick off their league campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 11.
