With the first 90 minutes of the campaign completed, there were smiles all round for the Chelsea players, and a warm-down session with a difference.

Having beaten Guangzhou Pharmaceutical 4-0 in the searing heat of the Guangdong Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night, Thursday morning's training session took place at the team hotel.

With only limited space to work in, the session was adapted to fit indoors, out of the south China sun, with a range of activities.

The players that played more than half a game last night - Frank Lampard, John Mikel Obi, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Deco and Salomon Kalou - completed a series of stretches before heading to the pool for a brief workout.

The goalkeepers and their coach Christophe Lollichon engaged themselves in badminton, with the competition typically fierce. Multi-sport enthusiasts Carlo Cudicini and Petr Cech went head-to-head, while Hilario pitted his wits against Lollichon.

In the main session, the players worked on a few ball skills before some light-hearted competitions.

The mood was of course upbeat after last night's impressive start to 2008/9, and the players were pleased with their night's work.

Mikel compared the heat and humidity to his summer's exertions on international duty.

'To play 90 minutes in that heat was really difficult and it was very humid but I kept playing and am really tired,' said the Nigerian midfielder.

'I think Africa in the summer was slightly worse, so it is getting easier! But, it is a long time since then though, so I am only just getting my fitness, but it was good to be back.'

His sentiments were echoed by another 90-minute man, Carvalho, who believes Guangzhou were the perfect opposition for a first match in pre-season.

'It was hard but we have to improve physically. I was tired but it was the first game and important for me to play 90 minutes. In the end it was a difficult game because I was tired but we won and played well,' the defender said.

'They were different from teams in the Premier League, not as strong but they worked hard and tried their best. We are stronger than them physically and technically so it was okay for us.'

Luiz Felipe Scolari kicked off his Chelsea reign by employing an attacking formation with Frank Lampard, Deco and even Michael Essien given licence to get forward and practice their shooting, while Ashley Cole and Bosingwa (replaced by Wayne Bridge and Paulo Ferreira) were providing support from wide.

'It was good, we had more players in the midfield and we are strong in the centre of the pitch. At the same time we are a threat in attack and it worked well.'

They were the words of debutant Deco, who impressed with his hour-long performance. 'Yes, it was good fun, a great game to play as a first game and to start. The win is important. I feel good, so great, and the first game is always more difficult for the players but I feel good,' he added.

Mikel, who sat as the deep-lying midfielder, was also impressed with the team's performance, but believes there are many other `shapes we could easily adopt, including the 4-3-3 seen in the second half.

'I don't know, that's one of the ways he wants us to start playing, and it gave the team more fluid football and less running, so we will see but hopefully it will work out well,' he said.

Carvalho finished by explaining the reasoning behind playing in that way.

'It was the first game so you have to have the ball and have possession, play well and look to improve. It is easier if you have the ball instead of chasing the other team,' he reasoned.

Chelsea certainly did dominate the possession, and four goals with a clean sheet is certainly the best way to start the season. All eyes will now be on the Blues in Macau on Saturday, when Chengdu Blades are the opposition.