Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Scott Trotter

Behind the scenes in Chelsea training as Frank Lampard makes use of surprise inclusion

If anyone was in any doubt there was still something to play for tomorrow night, the build up to Chelsea vs Real Madrid proved that there is still plenty of interest. Open training sessions can often be quiet affairs but when it's a Champions League quarter-final there is no shortage of broadcast cameras and interested parties.

As gathered media was led round to their viewing spot, it became clear the session was already underway for their goalkeepers with a group of coaching staff awaiting the players too, with ten minutes still to go until the scheduled start time. Chelsea weren't short of showstoppers as Eddie Beach and Lucas Bergstrom joined Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy and Marcus Bettinelli. The former putting work in at Cobham while being on loan with Chelmsford City since January.

Lampard was soon out with coffee and clipboard in hand to be followed up by Ashley Cole, who also brought out some preparation in the shape of a clipboard. Spirits were high among staff as Lampard showed his keepie uppie control before patrolling the pitches while his team laughed and joked with Cole particularly keen to have some fun.

READ MORE: Carlo Ancelotti confirms Real Madrid decision ahead of Chelsea clash after weekend rotation

First out among the outfield players were Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva, the latter set to return to Chelsea's squad having been rested at the weekend. Rube Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz were also quickly out having missed the defeat to Brighton via injury, while N'Golo Kante was also in action. Lewis Hall was also with the group having played in Chelsea under-21s' defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

Proceedings started with a gentle run around Cobham's pitches before the players arrived for a series of warm up drills, over and around obstacles. The energy intensified when ball play become involved in the sessions and the group split into three rondos - an indicator of just how many players Lampard has to work with.

Chelsea's first team stoppers were brought into the fold for the occasions with Marcus Bettinelli ensuring his character was felt in the centre attempting to claim the ball, while an acrobatic aerial backheel helped Joao Felix ensure that he wasn't placed in the centre of his group.

For this opening portion, players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Noni Madueke were all just as involved as their teammates, despite not being eligible for the clash against Los Blancos.

READ NEXT:

Chelsea have four-day Erik Ten Hag deadline for new manager decision after Jose Mourinho example

Real Madrid 'crying' over major UEFA decision ahead of Chelsea Champions League clash

Julian Nagelsmann takes key step towards Chelsea manager role as Todd Boehly considers options

Luis Enrique 'disappointed' by Chelsea manager decision after holding talks with Todd Boehly

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, views and rumours from Stamford Bridge

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.