Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, has urged caution ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday, emphasising that “football is full of surprises.”
The Premier League outfit qualified for this stage after a victory over Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, while Abel Ferreira’s squad triumphed over their Brazilian adversaries, Botafogo, to progress.
This encounter at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia marks a repeat of the previous clash between the teams, in which the Blues emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after extra time in the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup final.
While Chelsea are favoured by bookmakers to advance to the semis, buoyed by their recent Europa Conference League success and a roster rich in talent, the Italian coach remains pragmatic.
“You always play to win, but football can be quite unpredictable, especially in a tournament like this,” Maresca shared with reporters.
“You often see teams beating opponents that are expected to win. Football is not just about anticipation; it’s about what happens when the whistle blows.”
“We hold Palmeiras in high regard; we are well aware of their solid defensive structure, the organisation they bring, their pressing style, and their aggression during transitions,” he noted.
“They possess talented players. Estevao is one of those, and (Richard) Rios is another. They have a variety of skill sets, but all are formidable. It’s evident that they have a distinct identity,” Maresca acknowledged.
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The London side entered the tournament with a convincing 2-0 victory over LAFC but faced an unexpected setback, losing 3-1 to Flamengo in their following match.
With another formidable Brazilian opponent in their sights, Maresca reflects on the valuable lessons learned from those encounters.
“Absolutely, we aim to learn from every match, not just from Flamengo. Our recent game against Benfica was good, but there are areas we could improve upon. The Flamengo match, which I’ve mentioned numerous times, was unique as we experimented with a new structure and system, considering different tactical options for the future,” the 45-year-old explained.
“Flamengo are a top-notch team, just like Palmeiras, and Fluminense are performing exceptionally well too,” he added. “For me, it’s no surprise as I greatly respect Brazilian football, particularly players of quality.”
Asked whether Brazilian football might gain increased recognition in Europe following the tournament, Maresca was keen to express his admiration, stating he does not need the Club World Cup to validate his appreciation of Brazilian talent.
“We have always respected Brazilian football. This tournament is not a prerequisite for that respect,” he said. “Personally, I have always held Brazilian football in high esteem as it is among the best, if not the best, in terms of quality. I truly respect Brazil.”
“I don’t need this event to acknowledge the prowess of Brazilian football. Every match in this competition showcases their skills, and they will undoubtedly continue to do so beyond this tournament,” he asserted.
Initially, Maresca raised concerns regarding the scheduling of the Club World Cup, but his stance seems to have evolved as the event has unfolded.
“This competition is significant for both Palmeiras and us. Since the beginning, I’ve expressed our happiness to be here,” he concluded. “We appreciate the opportunity, but our joy in winning against Benfica stems from our hard work—not merely for enjoyment, but for winning. This is why we are pleased; we’ve reached this point, and our aim is to defeat Palmeiras going forward.”
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