Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has hailed the importance of pre-season training but has admitted that getting back in the swing of things can be difficult.

The Champions League winners, who recently acquired the signature of Brazilian youngster Oscar, have been in the United States competing in a pre-season tour ahead of the new Premier League season.

"Every game is like a stepping stone for us when we are building fitness," Lampard told the club's official website.

"When we go back we still have another two to three weeks until our season starts and now is the time when we are trying to get that little bit quicker and build a bit of stamina.

"It is not easy when you have a break, a lot of our players played in the Euros and we have some new players to integrate as well, and there are good signs for us as we move on towards the new season."

The Blues lost 3-2 to the MLS All-Stars yesterday.

Written by
Danielle Joynson