Xabi Alonso wants Chelsea to develop a winning mentality and strong team culture as the Blues prepare for the new Premier League season and continue their pre-season tour.

Xabi Alonso has outlined his vision for Chelsea, insisting he wants to build a side capable of competing anywhere and challenging for success across every competition. The Spaniard believes creating the right mentality within the squad will be just as important as improving their football.

Alonso’s first pre-season as Chelsea manager has produced mixed results so far. The Blues began with an entertaining 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers before suffering consecutive defeats against Tottenham and Juventus.

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Chelsea now have another opportunity to build momentum when they face AC Milan in Jakarta. With their Premier League opener against Fulham approaching on August 24, Alonso is using the remaining tour fixtures to establish his ideas and develop greater consistency.

One of the biggest challenges has been working without a full-strength squad. Several Chelsea players are still recovering from their involvement at the 2026 World Cup, meaning Alonso has had to work with a group that is still evolving.

For Alonso, however, pre-season is about more than tactics and fitness. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach is determined to establish a culture based on trust, togetherness and collective responsibility, believing those qualities will ultimately shape Chelsea’s performances when the pressure increases.

“We want to have a great team spirit, and that is built on a daily basis with a great culture in the building,” Alonso said. He stressed that strong relationships between players can create the confidence needed to develop a genuine winning mentality.

The Chelsea boss also believes mental strength must complement the team’s footballing ability. “The football side is so important, but the mental side is as important,” he explained, adding that the strength of the team remains the most important factor.

Chelsea will face Milan on Saturday before completing their overseas tour against Johor Darul Ta’zim on August 9. Alonso will then have one final pre-season test against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge as he attempts to ensure Chelsea are ready for the competitive season ahead.