Lavia reflects on Chelsea's pre-season tour in Sydney ahead of Tottenham clash

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has described the reception in Sydney as "amazing" as the club continues its pre-season tour in Australia, with a match against Tottenham to follow.

Chelsea arrived in Sydney on Saturday night and opened training to supporters, who Lavia said had "made themselves seen and heard" from the moment the squad landed. The club faces Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday before the Tottenham fixture.

"The Chelsea badge is recognised and respected around the world. We're seeing that again here in Sydney," Lavia wrote in a tour diary published on the club's official website.

Lavia also praised new manager Xabi Alonso, without naming him directly, describing him as one of the best players of his generation. "You see that when he steps into a training session. He starts pinging balls around in a way only those who have played at the top level can. It's a privilege to be working with him, especially as a midfielder," Lavia said.

The Belgian international added that pre-season had so far focused on building foundations. "We have a great group... we want to have a great season," he said.

Lavia also noted his own fitness, saying he had done extensive work with club staff to ensure he was ready to start pre-season strongly following injury issues that limited his availability in previous seasons.