Club World Cup final: Chelsea boss Maresca plays down PSG threat

Enzo Maresca has stated that it is business as usual for Chelsea heading into Sunday's Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite acknowledging PSG’s formidable threat, particularly after their impressive 4-0 semi-final victory over Real Madrid, Maresca emphasised that his team's preparation will remain consistent. 

The Italian manager stated that the team’s preparation focuses on identifying weaknesses in their opponents and preventing their attacks, regardless of who they face.

Maresca holds immense respect for PSG, considering them the best team in Europe and globally, given their consistent success; however, he expressed confidence in Chelsea's ability to compete at the highest level. 

“What worries me about Paris Saint-Germain is what worries me about any team,” said the Chelsea boss.

“I respect every team, but the way I prepare for the match on Sunday is the same way I prepared for the match against the Brazilian teams. 

“It doesn't change much for me in the sense that I try to see where we can hurt them and I try to see where I can prevent them from hurting us. From there we prepare for the match.”

Furthermore, Maresca sees the final as a significant opportunity to measure Chelsea's development and their brand of football against a benchmark team like PSG, who share a similar philosophy of ball retention and high pressing.

“For sure, PSG and their manager, Luis Enrique, are a reference for all people that love football,” Maresca continued.

“At the same time, we have our style and we showed during the season the way we want to do things, on and off the ball. They are a team that likes to keep the ball, of course, we do too. They also like to press high up and we do the same.”

The Club World Cup final between Chelsea and European champions PSG will be held at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.