Chelsea's pre-season tour under new manager Xabi Alonso sparked a fan frenzy in Hong Kong, with supporters going as far as booking rooms at the squad's hotel. The team flew on a 10-hour private flight to Hong Kong and stayed at the Kerry Hotel, where local fans regularly gathered in the hope of securing selfies and autographs. The attention was positive, but the level of excitement required heightened security. Some supporters even booked rooms in the same hotel in the hope of encountering players in lifts and public areas. During the stay, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill were given the freedom to go shopping after picking up knocks against Spurs. Videos of their outing showed just how well-known they were. The pre-season campaign was centered on Alonso, the new manager, with Palmer emerging as a 'leader' and the tour featuring an emotional return for Mykhailo Mudryk.