Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca compared the final of the club World Cup against Paris St. Germain on Sunday with a chess game, while the blues are preparing for the Champions League holders and Ligue 1 Giants in a long -standing collision.
Maresca spoke on Friday with reporters at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey and emphasized the tactical nature of the confrontation, which places his direction on PSG from Luis Enrique.
«I really like chess and I see many similarities between chess and football,» said Maresca. “At a tactical level I do not believe in chess movements during competitions, but the manager must respond when another manager responds.
«Of course this will be a tough chess match against Luis Enrique, but we will definitely try to enjoy it.»
Maresca, who led Chelsea in the final with a mix of defensive firmness and attacking flair, was full of admiration for his opposite number.
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«Certainly, PSG and their manager, Luis Enrique, are not only a reference for me, but for many people who love football. I believe they have an incredible team, and their coach, together with Pep Guardiola, is the best in the world at the moment,» he said.
«This is a team that consists of incredible players. It will be a difficult and big challenge, but we have our style. We have shown how we want to do things.»
The semi-final victory of Chelsea on the Brazilian side Fluminense saw new signing Joao Pedro have a big impact and scored twice in the 2-0 win.
Maresca, however, remained tight lips about whether the 60 million pounds ($ 81.01 million) ahead, obtained from Brighton & Hove Albion last week, would occur in the starting line-up for the final.
«Joao Pedro is a very good player. We bought him because we think he will help us. He has great quality,» said Maresca. «We have 48 hours before the final. We are lucky that we can choose different options. We will see for the final when he starts playing.»
The French and English parties, two of the most powerful and richest clubs in European football, will compete to be the first champions of the extensive competition of FIFA, created with the promise of a revolutionary club football and as a curtain increase for the World Cup 2026 in North America.
