Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca faced the media on Monday evening ahead of the Blues’ highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup semi-final clash against Brazilian side Fluminense at MetLife Stadium. With a place in Sunday’s final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on the line, Maresca addressed a range of topics, from squad selection challenges to his respect for Fluminense’s quality and the viral moment that left him momentarily speechless.
Enzo Maresca and a reporter at Chelsea's press conference on Monday 😬 pic.twitter.com/Ru2iCqfxrW
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 7, 2025
Squad Selection and Injury Updates
Maresca confirmed that Chelsea will be without key players for the crucial semi-final. Striker Liam Delap and defender Levi Colwill are suspended after picking up second bookings in the quarter-final victory over Palmeiras, while midfielder Romeo Lavia remains sidelined with a muscular injury. Captain Reece James’ fitness is also being monitored after a recent knock, though Maresca remained optimistic about finding solutions.
“In the last game, we had Romeo out, Moi [Caicedo] out, and Reece out, and we found a solution with Andrey [Santos] in midfield,” Maresca said. “Now with Levi and Liam out, we will find different solutions. Joao [Pedro] is ready, and Nico [Jackson] is training well.”
The return of Moises Caicedo from suspension was hailed as a major boost, with Maresca describing the midfielder as “one of the best players of the season” and a vital presence for his teammates. New signing Joao Pedro, who made his debut off the bench against Palmeiras, is also in contention to start, with Maresca praising his versatility: “Joao can play in all the attacking positions for us—wide, number 10, or as a number nine. Nico, I see as just a number nine.”
On Noni Madueke and Transfer Rumours
Addressing speculation linking winger Noni Madueke with a potential move to Arsenal, Maresca dismissed the noise, pointing to Madueke’s impactful 30-minute cameo against Palmeiras. “Personally, I think it was the same noise before the Palmeiras game. I don’t have any doubt Noni can help us,” he said. “It’s not easy to deal with the noise, but hopefully he can handle it.”
Respect for Fluminense and Thiago Silva
Maresca was full of praise for Fluminense, led by former Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, who now captains the Brazilian side. While acknowledging Silva’s legendary status, Maresca emphasized that Chelsea’s preparation focuses on the collective rather than individuals. “We respect Thiago, absolutely, but we are not preparing the game against him—this is against Fluminense,” he said. “They have many good players, experienced players of quality. We need to be careful."
Thiago Silva:
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 7, 2025
"I’m happy about this match [against #Chelsea], it’s going to be a special day for me, but it will be even more special if we manage to go through."
[via @FIFACWC] pic.twitter.com/fH6259IeLo
The Italian also highlighted Fluminense’s tactical clarity under manager Renato Gaúcho, noting, “He’s an experienced manager with a clear style. I watched his time at Gremio and now at Fluminense. It’s going to be a tough game.” Maresca reiterated his admiration for Brazilian football, stating, “It’s one of the best countries in terms of football. My respect is 100%. The quality and energy of their players stand out.”
The Viral Exchange: Chelsea’s Schedule vs. Fluminense’s
The press conference took an unexpected turn when Maresca suggested that European teams, including Chelsea, face a disadvantage in the Club World Cup due to their packed schedules. “We’ve played 63 games this season,” he said. “European teams come to this competition differently than South American teams.”
A Brazilian journalist swiftly corrected him, pointing out that Fluminense had played 70 matches in the same period. The room fell silent as Maresca, visibly taken aback, offered a forced smile and no further comment. The exchange quickly went viral, with South American fans on social media hailing it as a “reality check” for the Chelsea boss. Despite the awkward moment, Maresca later clarified that he doesn’t view Chelsea as favorites, emphasizing, “At this stage, all teams deserve to be here. Budgets don’t win matches.”
Youth vs. Experience
Reflecting on the matchup, Maresca noted the contrast between Chelsea’s youthful squad and Fluminense’s experienced lineup. “We’re probably the first or second youngest team in this tournament, facing one of the oldest,” he said. “It’s a good test for us.” He expressed confidence in his squad’s cohesion, adding, “We’ve had an entire season together in the Premier League, which helps.”
Looking Ahead
Maresca’s focus remains firmly on securing a spot in the final, but he’s aware of the challenges posed by Fluminense’s quality and the passionate support they’ll bring to MetLife Stadium. “We need to be attentive and careful with many things,” he concluded. “But we’re ready to give everything to reach the final."
Chelsea’s semi-final against Fluminense kicks off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
