Recovery was the primary focus, with those who started yesterday's victory over Brighton and Hove Albion undertaking work in the gym at our training base in Surrey.

Victory over the Seagulls was hard-fought, especially after the Blues were reduced to ten men late in the opening half. Yet a brace from Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill's first Chelsea goal helped us secure a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.

‘I’m buzzing to get my first Premier League goal and my first goal for Chelsea,' said Levi after the win.

‘The goal meant a lot to me but I also wanted to show respect to Brighton [after spending last season on loan at the club]. We needed that victory and that’s what matters the most, so I’m really pleased.'

Fernandez's goals against Brighton were his first in the Premier League. He opened the scoring with a well-placed header after good work from Benoit Badiashile before staying composed from the penalty spot in the second period to give a third.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with both players opening their respective accounts and highlighted the importance of goals being spread around his side.

'It's important that different players can score,' explained Pochettino. 'For Enzo, it was his first and second goal in the Premier League. We are always talking about confidence, it is important to build that.

'Players always need six months or one season to start to show their real quality, why is it going to be different at Chelsea? I’m so happy that different players could score goals, to help the team.'

Mykhailo Mudryk returned to the starting XI against the Seagulls, won the second-half penalty that was scored by Fernandez, and was given a standing ovation when he departed the game with ten minutes remaining.

It was a positive afternoon for the 22-year-old. ‘It boosts me a lot and I really appreciate all the support of our fans,' said Mudryk. 'I love them and thank them for their support. I try to do my best always.’

It was an early start back at Cobham for the squad as the focus shifted to the midweek visit to Old Trafford. The trip will be a homecoming – of sorts – for Cole Palmer, who was born and raised in Manchester.

Raheem Sterling, meanwhile, spent seven years as a Manchester City player before he joined Chelsea, and returned to London, in the summer of 2022.

Our game against United is the second of a busy December for Pochettino's side. Rest and recovery in the weeks ahead will be crucial, something which Thiago Silva knows all too well.

The 39-year-old has previously discussed the meticulously planned work he does both at Cobham and away from our training base. But he has also highlighted the role his family plays in ensuring he is ready to compete come matchday.

‘My family have supported me throughout my whole career, and my wife in particular has always been there for me,’ Thiago explained in an exclusive interview last week.

‘When we got married, she said she would always support my decisions and she still does now, even more so. There are some sacrifices, and there are certain things we can’t do together because of how important recovery is.

‘If it was up to her, I would still be playing until I was 50! Often we have conversations where I have to remind her how important my recovery is. She’s someone who likes going out a lot more, and I prefer to stay in more.’