Having secured their Champions League return on the final matchday of the season, Chelsea now have an early opportunity to reaffirm their place among Europe’s elite at the Club World Cup this summer.
Under Enzo Maresca’s management, Chelsea overcame Nottingham Forest in their last Premier League encounter to secure fourth place, signalling the end of a two-year absence from the continent’s premier competition after a season of inconsistencies.
The Blues, who qualified for FIFA’s revamped event following their second Champions League triumph in 2021, face a relatively straightforward group stage in the United States.
Chelsea will kick off their Club World Cup journey in Group D, taking on Los Angeles FC, who fought through a playoff against Club America to replace the disqualified Club Leon.
Following their opening match in Atlanta on Monday, Chelsea will head north to face Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisia’s Esperance, both set to take place in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles feature former Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, although the 38-year-old does not regularly start.
Flamengo, who earned their place by triumphing in the Copa Libertadores in 2022, are managed by former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis, who is well-respected in coaching circles.
Esperance have claimed eight of the last nine Tunisian league titles but are perceived as the least formidable team in the group.
Should they progress to the knockout stages, tantalising clashes with Bayern Munich and Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain could await.
Chelsea previously clinched the title in its former format in 2022, triumphing over Brazil’s Palmeiras in the final.
There is particular interest in how new Chelsea recruit Liam Delap performs after his recent transfer from relegated Ipswich.
The Blues outmaneuvered Manchester United and other clubs to secure the 22-year-old striker, who scored 12 goals in 37 top-flight appearances, for £30 million.
This season, Chelsea struggled for goal-scoring prowess, with Nicolas Jackson lacking consistency and Christopher Nkunku facing serious issues with form.
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Palmer’s Impact
Delap, the son of former Stoke midfielder Rory Delap, rose through the Manchester City youth ranks just like Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
The England international’s resurgence towards the season’s end is encouraging, having impressed in the Conference League final against Real Betis.
Palmer missed Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the US last summer, but Maresca views this as a chance for the playmaker to establish himself in America.
“Palmer is among the very best talents capable of producing magic at any moment, creating something from nothing,” the coach remarked.
“He wasn’t part of the USA tour last summer, so this will also be an opportunity for him to immerse himself in the environment and present himself to North America.”
Victory over Betis in Poland earned Maresca his first trophy as Chelsea’s manager, and an extended run in the United States would further indicate that the Blues are on an upward trajectory.
With a promising young squad, Chelsea has significant potential for improvement in the coming years.
“Critics claimed we couldn’t win due to our youth and inexperience,” Maresca said after finalising fourth place in the Premier League.
“Unfortunately for them, they were all mistaken.”
Success this summer is also key for the club’s co-owners, American businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with nearly £100 million at stake for the winners.
Although Chelsea are not among the top favourites — alongside English rivals Manchester City, 15-time European champions Real Madrid, and PSG — they are still expected to make it to the last eight.
With supporters not completely convinced by Maresca’s possession-based style, and even Palmer expressing fatigue over the sideways passing in the Conference League final, winning another trophy could go a long way in easing any growing frustration in south-west London.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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