Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has insisted that his side are not the favourites to win the FIFA Club World Cup, despite an impressive run to the final stages of the competition.
The Blues are set to face Brazilian outfit Fluminense, who have shocked many by emerging as the tournament’s surprise package.
The South American side stunned UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan before eliminating Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal to book their place in the final.
While Chelsea’s form and stature have positioned them among the top contenders, Maresca is keen to manage expectations.
“No, I don’t think that Chelsea is the favourite,” he told TribalFootball. “I think that at this point, there is no favourite.
“At this point, the teams that have come here, it’s because they deserve it, because they have something good, and they have to do everything to try to win and get to the final.”
Chelsea will, however, be without a number of key players for the clash. Defenders Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are suspended after both received second yellow cards in their tense 2-1 semi-final victory over Palmeiras.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia has also been ruled out after picking up a muscle injury in the win against Benfica.
Maresca confirmed some positive news as Moises Caicedo is back in contention, having missed the previous match.
“I think already in the last game we had Romeo out, Moises out, Reece [James] out and we found a solution with Andrey [Santos],” Maresca said. “Now with Levi and Liam out, we’re going to find a different solution.”
One of those solutions may include Chelsea’s new signing Joao Pedro, who could be in line for his full debut in Delap’s absence.
The Italian coach expressed confidence in the attacking options at his disposal.
“Joao is ready, also Nico [Jackson],” he added. “For sure we’re going to find a solution.”
With injuries and suspensions mounting, Maresca’s tactical flexibility will be put to the test once more as Chelsea look to secure a historic triumph on the world stage.
