Club World Cup final: Alan Shearer tells Chelsea how to beat PSG
As Chelsea prepares to face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium today, Premier League legend Alan Shearer has offered his tactical insights on how the perceived underdogs can secure an unlikely victory.
While many observers view PSG, the reigning Champions League winners and a team currently in sensational form, as overwhelming favorites, Shearer believes Chelsea's task is far from impossible.
PSG has swept aside opponents on their path to the final, including a dominant 4-0 semi-final win over Real Madrid.
Chelsea, meanwhile, has navigated a slightly less daunting route, comfortably dispatching teams after finishing second in their group.
What Shearer said
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer urged Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca to adopt a pragmatic approach, suggesting that a direct confrontation with PSG's high-octane style would be ill-advised.
"If they go head-to-head and match them then I can see another result like Real Madrid," Shearer warned.
Instead, the former England striker advocated for a more cautious, counter-attacking strategy.
He added, "But if they’re savvy and clever and sit and try and hit them on the break and soak up pressure, then yeah I would think they’re in with a chance."
The Club World Cup final is set to kick off at 8 PM.