Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has urged his players to improve their control in possession after the Blues suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly in Sydney.

Although disappointed with the result, Alonso stressed that the encounter was primarily about building fitness, refining tactics and assessing the squad ahead of the new campaign rather than focusing solely on the final scoreline.

Chelsea responded well after falling behind early, drawing level through Estevao before enjoying a significant advantage in the second half when Tottenham were reduced to 10 men following Kevin Danso’s dismissal.

Despite controlling large spells of the game and creating several promising opportunities, the Blues were unable to convert their dominance into a winning goal.

Instead, Tottenham struck on the counter-attack in stoppage time, with Richarlison capitalising on a rebound to hand Spurs victory.

Reflecting on the contest, Alonso admitted there were phases where Chelsea struggled to retain possession, particularly towards the end of the first half.

He believes his side must become more composed on the ball if they are to dictate matches consistently during the upcoming Premier League season.

The Spaniard also highlighted the importance of sticking to the club’s pre-season objectives, revealing that player workload and match rhythm were prioritised over the result.

Several members of the squad completed their planned minutes as the coaching staff continues to build fitness levels.

Despite the defeat, Alonso remained optimistic, insisting the performance offered valuable lessons. The former midfielder believes Chelsea are making steady progress and expects the team to continue improving as they edge closer to the start of the competitive season.