New Jersey – Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca praised his players’ determination and tactical execution after a commanding 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, calling it a performance that left him “without words.”
“The players deserve all the credit. I have no words — they earned this moment,” said an emotional Maresca following the historic victory.
Chelsea’s high-pressing style unsettled a star-studded PSG side early in the match. Maresca admitted that while maintaining intensity for the full 90 minutes was difficult in the humid conditions, the team’s strategy to press hard from the start paid off.
“Against a team like PSG, if you give them space, they’ll punish you. We had to be aggressive, especially early on. The weather made it tough, but we still went for it,” he explained.
Cole Palmer Shines Bright
The standout performer of the night was 22-year-old Cole Palmer, who scored twice and was named Player of the Tournament. His clever movement, especially from the right flank, constantly exposed gaps in PSG’s defense.
“It feels amazing,” said Palmer. “A lot of people doubted us before this game, but we stuck together and fought. The gaffer had a brilliant plan. He knew where the space would open up, and I just tried to deliver.”
Palmer also credited Maresca’s influence on the squad’s evolution.
“He’s building something special here. There’s been a lot of noise around us this season, but we believe we’re on the right track,” he added.
Enrique Reflects on Missed Opportunity
PSG manager Luis Enrique expressed disappointment in the loss, stating the match could have turned out differently had his team kept their composure.
“It was an avoidable situation. There was tension and pressure, and at times, players lost control,” said Enrique.
He acknowledged Chelsea’s dominance and accepted the result gracefully.
“They were the better team today. Still, the tournament is valuable — it answers the long-standing call to crown the world’s best club. We didn’t rise to the occasion this time,” he concluded.
Chelsea’s emphatic win not only adds another trophy to their growing cabinet but also signals the dawn of a new era under Maresca — one built on intensity, discipline, and belief.
