This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On July 19, 2019, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard suffered his first defeat in charge of the club after Kawasaki Frontale beat the Blues 1-0 in a preseason friendly.
Leandro Damiao scored the only goal of the match in the 86th minute, coming off the bench in the second half.
The 29-year-old Brazilian's stunning header lifted Kawasaki Frontale above Chelsea, who failed to build on their 4-0 win over Saint Patrick's Athletic in their last preseason match.
Chelsea's transfer ban, imposed by FIFA, meant they were unable to sign new players, and this defeat will be a wake-up call for Lampard ahead of the new league season.
Despite the loss, Lampard was pleased with his team's physical performance in the humid conditions and praised individual performances, including Kurt Zouma, who he wants to stay at the club this season.
However, Tammy Abraham was ruled out with tonsillitis, while Kepa Arrizabalaga had a stomach bug, and Lampard hopes both will be back in contention for Barcelona next week.
On Kenedy, Lampard said he was making a 'great case' to stay at the club with his performances.
