Blues manager’s complaints about fatigue backfire as Brazilian journalist fires back with brutal stat ahead of Club World Cup semi-final.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca found himself in an awkward moment during a pre-match press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final after a Brazilian journalist shut down his complaints about fixture congestion—by pointing out that opponents Fluminense have played even more games this season.
The Blues are set to face the Brazilian side, led by former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, in a high-stakes clash for a place in the final. But Maresca, whose team has played a grueling 63 matches across the Premier League, Conference League, and domestic cups this season, tried to argue that European clubs face a tougher physical burden in the tournament.
“For me, it’s not that it’s not important—but we’re coming into the tournament in two very different situations,” Maresca said. “How many official matches have the Brazilian teams played this season? We’ve played 63. European teams arrive in different conditions compared to South American sides because of the number of matches we’ve already played.”
Before he could finish, however, a Brazilian journalist interrupted, firing back: “We’ve played 70 in the same period. That’s even more games.”
A visibly caught-off-guard Maresca smirked but chose not to respond, swiftly moving the conversation along. The exchange served as a stark reminder that European clubs aren’t the only ones dealing with a packed calendar.
This isn’t the first time Maresca has voiced frustrations during the tournament. The Italian previously criticized the two-hour weather delay in Chelsea’s match against Benfica, which was paused with just four minutes left in regulation time. He also took issue with the sparse crowds in earlier rounds, calling the atmosphere “strange” for players.
Now, with Fluminense standing between Chelsea and a Club World Cup final, Maresca’s fatigue argument has been firmly countered—and his side will have to prove their mettle against a team that’s been just as busy, if not more.
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