Xabi Alonso vows Chelsea will “fight for important things” as new boss targets trophies in debut season | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso is confident that Chelsea can 'fight for important things' this season as he prepares for his first campaign in charge.

Chelsea continue their pre-season preparations with a clash against Juventus in Hong Kong today, the club's third fixture of their Australian and Asian tour.

The West Londoners beat Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 in Alonso's first game, before defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Australia.

Despite defeat, Alonso has been pleased with what he has seen from the group in pre-season, and is looking forward to linking up with the remainder of the squad upon their return to London.

The Spaniard said the goal is to challenge for the biggest trophies this season and is confident he has a squad capable of achieving that aim.

“With the players we have now… we will start in a good way”: Alonso challenges Chelsea to “fight for important things” this season

"We want to have a good season," Alonsosaid to the media in Hong Kong.

"Let’s see where we are in May, but for sure we want to have the feeling we are competitive and that we deserve to fight for important things during the season. Time will tell, but that’s our goal.

"I have confidence, motivation and a good feeling with the team, with the players, about what we want to achieve, so that when we start in thePremier League, we feel we are ready.

"For sure, with the players we have now and the others who will join [training at Cobham] – who I’d love to have more time with but it is what it is – the feeling is that we will start in a good way."

After facing Juventus, Chelsea take on AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta'zim before concluding their tour. The club'sPremier League campaign begins against Fulham on Monday, August 24th.