‘When it’s pre-season, it’s already hard but when it’s hot and humid like that then it’s very difficult even to make two runs in a row. They played a good game with a lot of ability. You could see their determination because they don’t play a Premier League club every week. We had chances, they had some as well, but they were more efficient so they won the game.

‘If we look at our performance physically, I think all the players have done well. Our fitness at this stage is not perfect obviously but we are working hard in training to get better.’

The 32-year old signed a new Chelsea contract in May to extend his stay in west London for another season and he is looking forward to working under our new head coach. Plenty of emphasis has already been placed on fitness work in training, with Lampard keen for his new side to play a high-intensity game with and without the ball.

Giroud acknowledges some adaptation to the new methods will be required, as well as familiarisation with new team-mates, but he is sure that Lampard’s approach and indomitable winning mentality will bring success to Stamford Bridge.