This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Frank Lampard, the newly appointed Chelsea manager, has emphasized his focus on the future as he prepares to take on the biggest challenge of his career.
Speaking in Japan, where Chelsea is playing two friendly matches, Lampard expressed his happiness with the squad, despite the team's recent loss of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid and the two-window transfer ban.
"For me, the story is not to look backwards," Lampard said, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "I know the club very well, I know the players very well. I have my own way that I want to work with the players," he added.
Lampard, who won 13 trophies in 13 years as a player for Chelsea, has a lot to prove in his new role. The former England midfielder has just one season of managerial experience, having led Derby County to the Championship play-off final in May.
Chelsea's new signing, Christian Pulisic, is listed as one of the team members visiting Japan, but it was unclear when he would arrive. The team will face Japan's Kawasaki Frontale on July 19 and Barcelona on July 23.
