The Chelsea squad got back to work at our training base in Philadelphia this morning, as preparations began for our second game of the FIFA Club World Cup against Flamengo.
We take on the Brazilian side at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday and will be looking to make it two wins from two matches in Group D.
Our opener ended in a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC. The Blues then travelled back to Philly on Sunday evening after the game, and were afforded time to recover at the team hotel on Monday.
The tournament has continued elsewhere in the States, and Romeo Lavia has discussed how he and his team-mates are staying across the fixtures.
He said: 'We've watched some of the other games on TV; they are all great games and at a good level.
‘I think every team has got different qualities because they're coming from a different environment. So it's nice to watch because you don't get to see all these teams often.'
Overcast conditions greeted our players at our training base, but the clouds soon gave way to blazing sun and sweltering heat.
The Blues will have to contend with similar conditions against our Brazilian counterparts on Friday afternoon, with temperatures expected to comfortably exceed 30 degrees Celsius in the City of Brotherly Love.
Among those out on the grass today was Cole Palmer, who received praise from Enzo Maresca following his display against LAFC.
The Chelsea head coach said: 'I had a short conversation with Cole [after the game], and I said to him that I really like the way he was today. He took responsibility, showed initiative on the ball.
'He was trying to receive the ball, go one-versus-one against players, and this is the Cole we expect.'
Also in training was one of the senior figures within our squad, Tosin Adarabioyo, who was part of the backline that helped keep a clean sheet in our tournament opener.
‘It’s a strong defensive unit,’ Tosin reflected after the game. ‘We’re getting used to playing with each other and we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
‘We’re always communicating and that makes each other’s jobs a lot easier, so we’re building a good relationship.’