Chelsea’s coach Enzo Maresca has dismissed worries regarding the sweltering and humid conditions expected in Tuesday’s Club World Cup semi-final against Brazilian outfit Fluminense, although the Blues will be missing both Liam Delap and Levi Colwill.
The sweltering heat of the North American summer has posed difficulties for numerous matches during the tournament, compounded by delays due to storm warnings affecting various games.
The showdown between Chelsea and Fluminense is set for 3:00 pm (21:00 CET) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, located just outside New York City, and the soaring heat could significantly influence the flow of the match.
In a previous quarter-final held at the same venue, Real Madrid faced Borussia Dortmund at a similar time, with the game’s tempo suffering due to the oppressive temperatures.
Maresca press conference
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“I don’t believe this is solely about tomorrow’s match. Like other teams, we’ve already played in varied conditions, but the game is at 3 pm tomorrow so all we can do is adapt and aim for victory,” Maresca remarked to reporters on Monday.
Chelsea will welcome back midfield dynamo Moises Caicedo after serving a suspension for the Palmeiras match, but they will be without striker Delap and centre-back Colwill due to bans, while Romeo Lavia remains unfit.
Striker Nicolas Jackson, who received a red card against Flamengo, is available, and new signing Joao Pedro is lobbying for a starting spot in the attack.
This encounter with Fluminense will mark Chelsea’s third Brazilian opponent in the competition, following a defeat to Flamengo in the group stage and a victory over Palmeiras in the quarter-finals.
“The first two matches were filled with energy, and I have no doubt tomorrow will be similar,” Maresca stated as his team gears up to face off against the 2023 Copa Libertadores champions, with former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva leading the side.
“They possess a highly skilled and experienced coach. Their team includes many seasoned players, and their style of play is well-defined.
“Any match at this point in the tournament is bound to pose challenges.”
‘Here to make history’
Fluminense now carry the flag for South America as they join Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain in completing the semi-final line-up—three of the last five UEFA Champions League winners.
Under the guidance of Renato Portaluppi, Fluminense has had a successful tournament, holding Borussia Dortmund in the group stage, defeating Inter Milan in the round of 16, and overcoming Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals.
“It’s an honour to coach this squad, and we’re here to create history,” Portaluppi declared.
“We have to maintain our belief. We are facing formidable opponents with a financial edge, but ultimately, football is decided on the pitch, and we must not forget that.”
Portaluppi referred to Fluminense as the “ugly duckling” of the tournament, highlighting the substantial disparity between their budget and that of the other remaining teams competing in the United States.
Nonetheless, he remains optimistic that Fluminense can compete with Chelsea as they aspire to reach the final of FIFA’s expanded tournament.
“It required significant competence to get this far, and I’ve told the team from the outset that this is a monumental chance for us.
“We’re up against teams that are clearly superior, and we know that losing focus could see us heading home without the trophy.”
He concluded: “I mentioned the financial disparity because that’s the reality.
“Fluminense’s finances are less than 10 percent of those of the other clubs, but that doesn’t mean reaching the final or even securing the Club World Cup title is out of reach.”
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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