Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso believes his sides entertaining 6-4 pre-season win over Western Sydney Wanderers will prove valuable as they continue to prepare for the new campaign. The Blues made a winning start to their Sydney Super Cup campaign in Alonsos first match in charge, although the Spaniard admitted there were periods where his team struggled to cope with their opponents pressing.Dastan Satpayev gave Chelsea an early lead before the Wanderers hit back with two goals. Dario Essugo restored parity before half-time, while Jamie Gittens and a nine-minute hat-trick from Joao Pedro helped Chelsea pull away after the break.Despite the victory, Alonso felt the match highlighted areas his side must improve.I think this friendly is going to be very useful for the future, Alonso said.There were moments in the game where we were struggling to find solutions, and we needed to experience that.The positive is that we corrected them, but these moments of game management are something we can learn from.When they were pressing so high, it was difficult to find solutions through the middle. We need a better understanding of what is happening and be able to make changes during the game because its something well face often.The more situations we experience where we struggle and then find solutions, the better team we will become.Alonso hails academy talentAlonso also highlighted the positives from the opening fixture of Chelseas tour, with several academy players featuring alongside established first-team stars.There were no injuries, the young players gained valuable experience by coming on tour and playing minutes, and the senior players made a good impact when they came on, he added.It was an exciting game for the fans as well.Romeo Lavia was the only senior player in the matchday squad not to feature, with Alonso revealing the midfielder was left out as a precaution after feeling discomfort in his hamstring.He felt something in his hamstring, Alonso explained.Its nothing serious and were hopeful hell be fit for Saturday against Tottenham. There was no point taking any risks today, which is why Reggie Watson played the full 90 minutes and did well. Topics Chelsea F.C. Xabi Alonso Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Western Sydney Wanderers 4-6 Chelsea: Jo�o Pedro scores quickfire hat-trick as Alonso makes winning start Jon Fisher 28th July, 2026 WATCH: Satpaev scores stunner on debut but Chelsea pegged back in Sydney Jon Fisher 28th July, 2026 Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea: Confirmed team news as Xabi Alonso reign gets underway in Australia Jon Fisher 28th July, 2026 Why Danny Welbeck could be crucial signing for Chelsea Ben Miller 28th July, 2026 BREAKING: Chelsea in talks to sign Jordan Henderson from Brentford Mitch Fretton 27th July, 2026 BREAKING: Chelsea make move for former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Welbeck Jon Fisher 27th July, 2026
