Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta says victory over Barcelona was proof the players are responding to manager Frank Lampard's methods.

The defender played 70 minutes in Saitama and was satisfied he and his team-mates could enjoy the feeling of victory after a busy week.

"Even if it's pre-season you don't want to lose," said Azpilicueta to chelseafc.com. "The last game we didn't get the result, we conceded a late goal even if the performance was good.

"There were tough conditions on this trip and with the training sessions but we deserved to win against Barcelona. We played well. We wanted to finish this trip on a high. We have been working hard but obviously you want to win games, and this was a good step forward for the last two weeks before the season starts.

"We can see the signs of the work we have been doing," continued Azpi.

"Since the beginning we have been working very hard with great intensity in every training session. Every time you start with a new manager you start from zero, and we try to improve every day. That's what we work for: to improve as a team and as individuals. Hopefully we can prepare well in the last three friendly games before our Premier League season starts."