Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca, has expressed his “maximum respect” for Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG), however, made it clear, his side are in New Jersey, United States (US) to “win” the final.
Chelsea will face PSG in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday 13 July, 2025 at 20:00 (WAT).
Blues opponents, PSG, impressed in discomfiting Italian side, Inter Milan, in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 and have continued in the same style in the USA, notably with a 4-0 whitewash over Spanish side, Real Madrid, in the semi finals.
No controversy, Luis Enrique’s move to PSG has greatly improved the Club’s quality and standard in Europe, however, Maresca is not scared of the extremely young Les Parisiens.
The Italian boss said, he is gearing up for the final against the Ligue 1 Kings just the way he gears up for any other team.
Maresca said, his focus is on how to “hurt” the Coupe De France winners, and how to prevent them from “hurting” the Blues on Sunday night.
According to Chelsea official website, at his pre-PSG press conference, Maresca said: “What worries me about Paris Saint-Germain is what worries me about any team.
“We are trying to help the team prepare for the match in the best way possible, by giving all the information possible to the players so they can perform on the pitch.
“I respect every team, but the way I prepare for the match on Sunday is the same way I prepared for the match against the Brazilian teams.
“It doesn’t change much for me in the sense that I try to see where we can hurt them and I try to see where I can prevent them from hurting us. From there we prepare for the match.”
On the strength and resilience of PSG, Maresca said: “I agree with most people that say they are the best team in Europe and the world.
“The reason why is that they are showing this in France, the Champions League and this competition.
“We have maximum respect for them and I really enjoy watching them, but we are here to do our best and to win the final. For sure, it will be difficult, but for me all the games are difficult.
“So, all the games are complicated and we have to prepare the details in the best way. We will prepare this game in the best way.
“For sure, PSG and their manager, Luis Enrique, are a reference for all people that love football.
“They are a team that likes to keep the ball, of course, we do too. They also like to press high up and we do the same.”
