Frank Lampard finds out where Chelsea struggled after director's reign

Frank Lampard admitted that his tenure at Chelsea was "tough" after seeing his team limp for a draw against the Bohemians during their first pre-season meeting in the summer.

The Blues played in a 1-1 draw in Dublin on Wednesday night. The first game of Michy Batshuayi was canceled by the stroke of judge Eric Molloy one minute from the end.

Beside Batshuayi, there was a crowd of other familiar faces. Midfielders Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko were also beaten, while Lampard played two different XIs in each half.

The Molloy final was a draw for the Irish hosts and Lampard, who returned to the club where he is considered a legend, is aware of the challenge that awaits him.

He said: "It was a good part, we had good support and we thank the people who came in. It was a difficult first game for us because we have not been back for a long time.

"We have only been back for a few days, so there was some pressure on the guys and we are working very hard on them and I am happy with the result.

"Fitness was our problem, but I wanted to stretch them a little and put them under pressure.

"That's what the pre-season is and the sooner we get there, the level we want, the better it will be – we wanted to win the match as you always do, but it's not about that. . "

The legend of Stamford Bridge, however, has praised his team for his attitude since he took over the reins and is looking forward to welcoming Christian Pulisic into his team.

"It's about getting fit and getting out there, and I thought some of the performances – especially the younger ones – were really good."

"I am very happy, we have high standards and we have integrated them in. We need intensity in our game and I am delighted with the way they worked and their attitude.

"This match was very early, but the other players are back other than the injured boys.Pulisic is not yet with us, but you will see some this weekend."

It was Batshuayi, on the sidelines of Antonio Conte and loaned by Maurizio Sarri, who scored the first goal of the Lampard era after just eight minutes in Dublin, hitting the ball at close range after the Kenedy's shot is blocked in the box. .

He hopes there are other sources of origin – and that Lampard will give him a chance to provide it.

The home team was delighted as the Molloy candidate was pushed to substitute goalie Jamie Cumming to end a decisive move in the 89th minute.