Monday morning in Saitama, Japan, and the Blues were back at the NACK5 Stadium for their final football session of the trip.

A lot of work has gone into this pre-season and despite suffering defeat against Japanese champions Kawasaki Frontale on Friday night, it seems as though Frank Lampard and his staff are pleased with the players’ fitness as the season approaches.

There remains a way to go though and Monday’s session was certainly intense. From a physical warm-up with short, sharp sprints, the players went into a tactical practice with two aims – for one side it is designed to work on the team’s ability to play out from the back, for the other, to press high up the pitch and win it back.

Lampard led the session and shared his philosophies with the players, delivering his message clearly and concisely.

Afterwards, the former midfielder eased back into his former role, teeing up the attacking players in shooting practice, with new boy Christian Pulisic showing his eye for a goal against a helpless Kepa.

After the session, Tammy Abraham spoke with Chelsea TV and shared this message ahead of the Barcelona game, which has certainly captured the imagination of the squad.

Just as they did the day before, Lampard and his coaches opted to run back to the team hotel, a captured by our social media team!

The afternoon’s session, rather than back at the stadium, was conducted at the team hotel, and consisted of fitness work for the squad, split into groups. For Christian Pulisic, there was an Instagram Q&A, responding to fans’ questions.

For the goalkeeping contingent, well, they just can’t get enough of competing, so decided to go head to head at table tennis and darts in the squad’s relaxation area. We can’t tell you who won… but experience pays!

Now, it is all eyes on Saitama Stadium for the big game against Barça. It is safe to say it is one everybody is looking forward to before heading home.