Blues Boss Praises Palmer’s Masterclass But Credits Early Dominance for PSG Victory
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca pinpointed the opening 10 minutes as the decisive period in his side’s 3-0 Club World Cup final thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain, long before Cole Palmer’s brace and João Pedro’s strike put the game beyond doubt.
Speaking after lifting the trophy in New Jersey, the Italian tactician revealed: “The game was won in those first crucial minutes. We set our tempo, executed the press perfectly, and never let them breathe – though the humid conditions made it a real battle of endurance for the players.”
Maresca’s comments come after some had questioned whether he’d found the ideal system for Palmer last season. The young English midfielder silenced doubters with two first-half goals, operating in a more advanced role that maximized his attacking threat.
“Today we positioned Cole where he could exploit space most effectively,” Maresca explained. “While he was outstanding, this was a complete team performance – every player contributed to this historic win.”
When asked about Chelsea’s future prospects, the typically reserved coach allowed himself a rare moment of levity: “Of course I’m excited about what’s ahead… but right now I’m most excited about our three-week break!” The comment drew laughter from reporters, capping off a triumphant night for the Blues’ boss.
The victory validates Maresca’s tactical approach after a season of scrutiny, with Chelsea now holding both the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup trophies – a remarkable achievement in the manager’s debut campaign.
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