A new force called Chelsea

By defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the 2025 Club World Cup final, Chelsea affirmed their new status under manager Enzo Maresca.

Less than two years after a turbulent period under previous managers and a costly but complicated restructuring, Chelsea stunned the football world by winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Overcoming doubt

Before the tournament began, Chelsea were not considered among the top contenders. After a trophyless 2023-2024 season, finishing outside the top four of the Premier League, the London club only qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as the winner of the UEFA Champions League 2021 (according to regulations, European champions from 2021-2024 are eligible to participate).

Coach Enzo Maresca has brought a new look and a hunger for victory to Chelsea (Photo: FIFA)

That Champions League title is a thing of the past, not to mention that since then, Chelsea has undergone countless changes, from the coaching staff to the squad. It wasn't until Enzo Maresca was appointed as manager in the summer of 2024 that "The Blues" gradually began to shape a youthful, ambitious image.

In just one year in charge, coach Enzo Maresca has left a significant mark, both in terms of playing style and results. The Italian coach has built a flexible tactical system, combining modern ball control with quick transitions. Spanish newspapers even jokingly commented that Maresca's secret is nothing more than making the players "run more... and everyone run together."

By transforming his players into a unified, energetic unit, constantly pressing every hot spot on the pitch, defending solidly while organizing effective attacks, coach Enzo Maresca created a strong Chelsea team with key players spread across all three lines. He also flexibly applied appropriate tactics to each opponent, leaving even his seasoned counterpart Luis Enrique of PSG unprepared in the final.

A brace from Cole Palmer and a late goal from Joao Pedro secured Chelsea's second FIFA Club World Cup title in history, following their victory in the previous edition in 2021. This was more than just a simple win; it was a declaration of a young, resilient team ready to rise strongly on the European and world football map.

A crucial turning point

Instead of their trademark defensive counter-attacking style, Chelsea launched an all-out offensive right from the opening whistle, relentlessly pressing PSG. This wasn't the impulsiveness of an underdog team unaware of their limitations; Chelsea increased the pressure and scored two goals in quick succession within eight minutes, thanks to a superb performance from the "cold-faced killer" Cole Palmer.

The high-pressing tactics, intense acceleration, and exploitation of long passes down the flanks by the English team suddenly became a problem for PSG. They were swept up in that relentless pace and conceded a third goal at the end of the first half from Joao Pedro, almost unable to recover even with the entire second half ahead.

A series of adjustments by both teams turned the second half into a battle of wits and strength, with the helplessness clearly visible on the faces of each PSG player. Shots at goal from Kravatskhelia, Dembele, Desire Doue, and Vitinha were all thwarted by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, while on the opposite side, "Spider-Man" Donnarumma had to make several crucial saves for the French team.

Chelsea entered the tournament with considerable doubt and anxiety, compounded by a 3-1 thrashing by Flamengo in the group stage. This setback forced "The Blues" to adapt, and we witnessed an incredible comeback from manager Maresca's team. They overcame Benfica in a nearly four-hour match in the round of 16, and defeated two South American opponents, Palmeiras and Fluminense, on their way to the final, demonstrating the resilience and tenacity of a young team.

By defeating the virtually "flawless" PSG 3-0 in the final, Chelsea became the first English team to win a major FIFA title under the new format. This was a significant turning point, marking Chelsea's return to the international stage after years of rebuilding under billionaires Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

The championship title and over $100 million in prize money open up opportunities for Chelsea to reach new heights next season with a young, deep squad and a well-structured strategy, ready to aim for ambitious goals such as the Premier League and the Champions League. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is not just a title, but also a symbol of resurgence, belief, and aspiration.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-luc-moi-mang-ten-chelsea-196250714201118847.htm