How Did We Dominate in the First 10 Minutes? Maresca Analyzes Chelsea’s Strategy in FIFA CWC Win
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Synopsis
In a stunning display, Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca revealed the tactical brilliance that led to a 3-0 victory over PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup final. Discover how the team's early dominance set the stage for their triumph.
Key Takeaways
- Strong start: Chelsea's early dominance was crucial.
- Strategic pressing: High pressing disrupted PSG's game plan.
- Player performance: Key players executed the game plan effectively.
- Midfield control: Exploiting space was a key tactic.
- Team effort: Collective effort led to success.
New Delhi, July 14 (NationPress) Chelsea's head coach Enzo Maresca shared insights into the tactical approach that led to his team's 3-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final. Maresca explained the reasoning behind Chelsea's decision to apply high pressure on the European champions and emphasized how the London club secured the match within the crucial first 10 minutes.
"PSG is a squad that can be dangerous if given space; hence, we chose to press them high. Their talented players are capable of creating opportunities if we allow them to connect on the ball," Maresca stated.
"We effectively won the game early on. The pre-match message was clear: we came here to win. The initial 10 minutes set the tone for the rest of the match. Our tactical execution and player quality were commendable," he added during a press briefing with Chelsea's media.
Cole Palmer netted twice, while Joao Pedro contributed the third goal, giving Chelsea a solid 3-0 lead at halftime. PSG struggled to make a comeback, and João Neves received a red card in the 85th minute, although the outcome was already decided.
Maresca elaborated on their strategy to confront PSG in midfield, allowing Chelsea to exploit wide areas effectively.
"They field three midfielders. We assigned two to press Reece and Moi, while Vitinha was marked by Enzo. Our analysis indicated that we could take advantage of the open space," he explained.
"We utilized Cole (Palmer) and Malo (Gusto) to create overloads on that side. It was a singular game plan; however, we adapt our strategies frequently. Our aim is to position players where they can maximize their impact. Today's execution was excellent, reflecting the collective effort of the entire team. I’m thrilled for them, as they truly deserve this victory. Ultimately, while we can provide a detailed plan, it’s the players who must execute it, and they performed exceptionally well," Maresca concluded.
Point of View
It's clear that Chelsea's tactical execution under Enzo Maresca was pivotal in their victory over PSG. The emphasis on pressing and exploiting space showcases modern football strategies that can effectively counter even the most formidable opponents. This match serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and execution in high-stakes games.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Chelsea's game plan against PSG?
Chelsea's game plan focused on high pressing and exploiting space on the wings to counter PSG's midfield.
Who scored the goals for Chelsea in the final?
Cole Palmer scored two goals, and Joao Pedro added the third goal for Chelsea.
How did the early minutes impact the match outcome?
Chelsea's strong start in the first 10 minutes set the tone for the match, allowing them to control the game.
