Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has dismissed suggestions that the substantial prize money on offer at the FIFA Club World Cup is adding pressure from the club’s ownership to win the tournament.
The newly revamped competition, being held in the United States, offers a staggering $1 billion in total prize money, with the winner set to take home approximately $125 million (£92.4 million). As one of Europe’s 12 representatives among the 32 participating teams, Chelsea could gain a major financial edge if they lift the trophy on July 13.
However, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Group D match against Esperance of Tunisia, Maresca insisted that financial incentives have not been part of his conversations with the club’s hierarchy.
“The owners want the best from us, game by game,” Maresca told reporters in Philadelphia. “They haven’t mentioned the prize money or put any pressure on me or the players to win the tournament for financial reasons.”
Chelsea must avoid defeat against the Tunisian side four-time African champions to progress to the last 16, following a 3-1 loss to Brazilian giants Flamengo in their previous match. In that game, Maresca appeared to experiment with tactics, including playing Cole Palmer on the right wing, a move that didn’t yield the desired results.
“Off the ball, Cole was defending wider, but in possession, his position was the same as during the season,” Maresca explained. “Maybe it wasn’t the right moment to try new things, but we’re also thinking long term. Last season, we played three or four systems. We want to evolve and improve.”
Chelsea will be without striker Nicolas Jackson, who is suspended after receiving a red card shortly after coming on as a substitute in the Flamengo game. Maresca is expected to rotate his squad to manage player fitness and conditions.
The London club began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, but the setback against Flamengo has made their final group game crucial. Meanwhile, Esperance, who lost to the Brazilians earlier, bounced back with a 1-0 win over LAFC in Nashville, marking the only victory by a North African team in six tournament games so far.
If Chelsea secure qualification, they will travel to Charlotte for a round-of-16 clash on Saturday, potentially facing German powerhouse Bayern Munich, who currently top Group C.
“If we qualify, then we can talk about Bayern,” Maresca said. “Right now, it’s all about tomorrow. Football is full of surprises.”
On their next opponents, he added:
“Esperance stayed competitive until the end against Flamengo and then beat LAFC. It’s going to be a tough game.”
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