Chelsea finished their pre-season tour with a draw against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim. The match was described as unusually intense, highlighting ongoing challenges for the London club as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Manager Xabi Alonso is currently navigating a difficult transition period. With less than two weeks remaining before Chelsea’s first league match against Fulham on August 24, Alonso must integrate returning players and address concerns regarding squad depth and player discipline. The team, which finished 10th last season, is currently managing a large roster of forwards, a situation that has drawn scrutiny regarding the club's tactical direction under new leadership.

While the match provided a final opportunity for experimentation, the performance has left questions about the team's readiness. Alonso is tasked with stabilizing a squad that struggled with consistency and discipline throughout the previous year. The upcoming match against Fulham, managed by Alonso’s former colleague Álvaro Arbeloa, will serve as the first true test of the progress made during this short pre-season period.