Lampard’s Chelsea set to depart for weeklong training camp, two friendlies in Dublin

Just barely 24 hours after the official announcement, Frank Lampard, Jody Morris, and the rest of the confirmed new Chelsea coaching staff (Chris Jones, Joe Edwards, Eddie Newton) are getting immediately to work.

But they’re not doing so at Cobham training ground — at least not beyond the initial arrival (which was captured by Sky Sports’ cameras for some unknown reason). As mentioned on the official website, Chelsea are leaving today for a weeklong training camp in Dublin, which will include the two previously confirmed friendlies, first against Bohemians on July 10 and then against St Pats on July 13.

“We have a big squad so not everyone is going to be able to stay but we’ll try to make the best decisions for everyone and that will be our assessment over the next month of pre-season. There are some young players who can be huge players for this club, some of them already are, and they can get better as well. It will part of my job to develop the young players we have.”

-Frank Lampard; source: Chelsea FC

Not all Chelsea players will be joining straight away, with some expected to only arrive on Monday, July 8. Others, like Christian Pulisic and Willian who were still involved with their respective international teams this week, will presumably arrive even later — though Pulisic was reportedly ready to return immediately after the Gold Cup final, which will be on Sunday.

Hopefully we’ll get some reports of the traveling squad soon.

In any case, preseason has now officially started. The new era is underway.