Chelsea
manager Frank Lampard admits his side need to improve their fitness after
failing to beat Irish club Bohemians.
The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening pre-season friendly in
Dublin after Michy Batshuayi's opener was cancelled out by trialist Eric
Molloy's late goal.
Chelsea begin the new Premier League season away at Manchester United on
August 11, live on Sky Sports, and Lampard admits there is work to do before
the trip to Old Trafford.
"Fitness was our issue, we've been working hard on it, even this morning,"
said Lampard.
"Fitness was always going to be an issue against a team that's halfway
through their season. We certainly pushed ourselves to the limit.
"The quicker we get there the better. It's about individuals getting fit.
Some of the young lads were really good.
"We want to get a level of fitness and intensity in their game."
Danny Drinkwater was given an opportunity to impress against Bohemians after
failing to make a single Premier League appearance under former manager
Maurizio Sarri.
Batshuayi, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal
Palace, also started the match and opened the scoring after just eight
minutes.
Tiemoue Bakayoko and Kurt Zouma also featured after returning from their
respective loan spells away from Stamford Bridge and Lampard was pleased
with his first outing as Chelsea manager.
"I've enjoyed it, we've got great support over here," said the former Derby
County manager.
"It was a tough game for us, we've only been here for a few days. But I'm
pleased with how we got on.
"I've been pleased with the players' attitude since I arrived last week."
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