The challenge for the team in the first of three games in the States before the final warm-up in Italy against Udinese, is taking on Mexican side Club America. They are opposition Chelsea have met in pre-season twice before in the past 15 years, and Thomas Tuchel discusses his knowledge of football in Mexico.

‘My interest in general in Mexican football comes from individual players,’ the boss explains.

‘Of course there have been many Mexican players in the German Bundesliga who have made their name, many players who have had a big career abroad, so we are very well aware of the individual quality and of the enthusiasm.

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‘We are very well aware of the importance of the national team of Mexico and how strong they are in every World Cup. I don't have a full overview of the Mexican league to be very honest, but of course now we analyse this opponent.

‘At this moment in pre-season it's also the moment to focus on us and give our players and our situation the full support and the full focus.

‘Club America’s league is playing already so they are in a different physical situation than us and normally they're a very physical, very aggressive team. Let's see with big names and big personalities how this will work out but we expect an intense match.’

Tuchel has indicated that once that important challenge to his side’s physical fitness is out the way, he will allow his players some downtime in downtown Las Vegas.

‘I think you will see maybe some players tomorrow after the match,’ he says, ‘but before the match is the moment to focus and stay together as a team and to take it seriously, because we don't have that many matches [in pre-season].

‘When we wear a Chelsea shirt we are obliged by our goals and the demands of ourselves and our supporters to give our very best. This is what it is when you play or work for Chelsea.

‘So until the evening we're focused and do everything to prepare the match in the best possible way. And then we have a flight to Orlando the next day and there will be some private time for the players.’

The game against Club America will be live streamed on the official Chelsea website and The 5th Stand app, kick-off 7pm local time, 3am in the UK. Click for info on territories available