Chelsea Face AC Milan in Jakarta, Xabi Alonso Focuses on Building a Winning Mentality

Chelsea are not simply going through the motions on their pre-season tour in Jakarta. For The Blues manager Xabi Alonso, this visit to Indonesia forms a critical part of the process to shape the squad's mentality ahead of the 2026/2027 competitive season.

Chelsea are scheduled to face AC Milan in a pre-season fixture at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Saturday 8 August 2026. Promoted by Nine Sports, this match will kick off at 19.00 WIB.

Alonso views this clash against the Serie A giant as an opportunity for Chelsea to continue building the team's foundations. Beyond refining on-pitch tactics, the former Bayer Leverkusen head coach also aims to foster a positive atmosphere within the squad.

"We want to build an outstanding team spirit, and that is cultivated every single day through strong team culture. Camaraderie, trust, and good relationships between players are absolutely essential to forge a winning mentality," Alonso stated during the pre-match press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta on Friday.

Xabi Alonso Expects Full Performance From Chelsea

The fixture against AC Milan is one segment of Chelsea's preparation schedule before official competitive matches commence. Alonso assessed that this game will provide valuable experience for his players.

"This is an excellent friendly fixture that we will play tomorrow," he said.

The Spanish head coach also wants his squad to deliver their best performance for the Chelsea supporters who will be attending live at SUGBK.

According to Alonso, pre-season matches are not judged solely on the final result. These fixtures also serve as an opportunity to develop playing patterns while building cohesion between squad members.

For that reason, he hopes Chelsea can display quality football when they go up against AC Milan in Jakarta.

Alonso Satisfied With Chelsea Players' Response

Prior to this stop, Chelsea completed earlier legs of their pre-season tour across other parts of Asia and Australia. Alonso confirmed he has received positive responses from all available players throughout the tour so far.

This positive dynamic carries even greater weight given that a number of Chelsea's key players have not yet linked up with the squad. These players remain on scheduled rest leave after representing their respective national teams at the World Cup.

"I am pleased with their attitude, with their character, and with getting to know them properly. This is such a vital part of this tour," he added.

Alonso noted that gaining a close understanding of each player's personality is a core part of building a successful team. He explained that the bonds formed during this pre-season period will become a critical asset when Chelsea compete across the full length of the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, the players yet to report for duty after reaching the World Cup semi-finals and final will rejoin the squad once their official leave period concludes.

"Those who competed right through to the World Cup semi-finals and final need this extra rest, this has been an extremely intense period. Once their break ends, they will return to the group and we will begin working with them," he stated.

Chelsea still have remaining time to finalise their preparations before the 2026/2027 season gets underway. This pre-season tour is allowing Alonso to unify the squad while instilling the playing identity he intends to implement.

The Jakarta fixture against AC Milan marks one of the first major tests for Chelsea during this process. Alongside refining on-pitch performance, Alonso is working to build a solid team foundation anchored on unity and winning mentality, core pillars that will define The Blues' campaign in the season ahead.