Chelsea were crowned World Champions on Sunday night after a dominant 3-0 victory over European champions Paris Saint-Germain, with goals from Cole Palmer and João Pedro sealing the emphatic win.
After the match, Chelsea’s manager expressed his excitement during a post-game interview, sharing his delight at leading the team to victory.
Enzo Maresca stated that Chelsea effectively secured the Club World Cup final ‘within the first 10 minutes’ by setting the tempo early and shutting down Paris Saint-Germain’s rhythm.
The Blues stunned the European champions at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, with a brace from Cole Palmer and a goal from new signing João Pedro securing a well-deserved victory for Chelsea.
By winning the tournament – the first-ever edition to feature 32 teams – Chelsea are set to earn at least £97 million in combined prize money and participation fees.
The victory marked Chelsea’s second piece of silverware this season and the second trophy under Enzo Maresca’s leadership, following their Europa Conference League triumph in May.
“No words,” a delighted Maresca said after the match. “The players truly deserve this moment.”
“For me, we won the game in the first 10 minutes. In the first 10 minutes, we set the tempo and set the play we wanted to play. We were very good.”
“Then, unfortunately, with the weather conditions, it is not easy to continue for 90 minutes. But I think we won the game in the first 10 minutes.”
When asked about Palmer’s outstanding performance, Maresca responded: “Today, we found a position for him where he had more space to attack. The effort from all the players was fantastic.”
Speaking about Chelsea’s future, Maresca expressed both excitement and relief following the club’s triumph. “I’m very excited about what lies ahead – but honestly, I’m even more excited that we have three weeks off now!” the Italian joked, acknowledging the demanding nature of the season.
He added that the short break would give the players and coaching staff a much-needed chance to recharge before turning their focus back to domestic and international challenges.
Elsewhere, Portuguese international and Chelsea forward Pedro Neto was quick to dedicate the silverware to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, saying: “I said I would win it for Diogo and Andre, this one is for them and their families, and we are really happy.”
“It’s the best feeling, to be honest,” he continued. “To be here with my mates and this club. I’m enjoying this moment, and winning this trophy with this club is an unbelievable feeling”
