Introduction: Chelsea Eye Last 16 Amidst Financial Windfall Talks
As Chelsea continue their Chelsea Club World Cup 2025 campaign in the United States, head coach Enzo Maresca has made it clear that the staggering prize money on offer is not adding any additional pressure to his squad. FIFA has set a $1 billion prize pool for the tournament, with Chelsea potentially earning up to $125 million if they lift the trophy on July 13. Despite these numbers, Maresca insists that the club’s focus remains solely on performance.
Prize Money Not a Discussion Topic for Chelsea Hierarchy
Speaking to reporters in Philadelphia ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash with Esperance of Tunis, Maresca said:
“The owners just want the best for us and for the players game by game and they are not talking about the final prize or the final reward in terms of money. They never put pressure on me or the players to win because of the money.”
Should Chelsea win the Chelsea Club World Cup 2025, the financial windfall would give them a significant advantage over their Premier League and European rivals in the upcoming season. But for now, qualification to the next round remains the immediate focus.
Mixed Performances in Group Stage So Far
Chelsea Club World Cup 2025 opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles FC in Atlanta but stumbled in their second match, falling 3-1 to Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo. In that game, Maresca experimented tactically, deploying Cole Palmer on the right wing, a decision that didn’t yield the desired impact as Palmer struggled to influence proceedings.
“If it is a good moment or not to try new things, I don’t know. But we also are here to think about the future, and to try different systems,” Maresca explained. “Last year we played three or four different systems during the season. The idea is to continue to evolve and improve.”
Heatwave Complicates Preparation in Philadelphia
Preparations have been challenging with Philadelphia experiencing a severe heatwave. Although Tuesday’s match kicks off at 9:00 PM local time, extreme daytime temperatures have limited training sessions. “It is almost impossible to train because of the weather. Now we are just trying to save energy for the game,” Maresca admitted.
Compounding Chelsea’s issues, Nicolas Jackson is suspended after receiving a red card against Flamengo shortly after coming off the bench.
Esperance Eye Historic Upset
North African champions Esperance of Tunis remain confident ahead of the pivotal clash. Having bounced back with a 1-0 win over LAFC after losing to Flamengo, Esperance now hope to shock Chelsea.
Head coach Maher Kanzari spoke of the significance of the match:
“We are prepared and we have to fulfil the expectations of our technical team, our fans, and the Tunisian public. It will be a historical game. Hopefully we will do what it takes.”
Path to the Knockout Stages
Chelsea needs at least a draw to secure their spot in the last 16, where they could potentially face Bayern Munich, who are leading Group C. Looking ahead, Maresca remained cautious: “If we go through we can talk about Bayern. In this moment it has to be about tomorrow. Football is full of surprises.”
As reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup format in the U.S. has already delivered high drama and unpredictable results, with European heavyweights like Atletico Madrid being eliminated despite winning two group games.
Conclusion: Chelsea Focused on Performance Over Prize
While the financial stakes are high, Chelsea and Enzo Maresca remain committed to maintaining focus on the football itself. With a challenging clash against Esperance ahead and possible encounters with Europe’s elite waiting, Chelsea’s Club World Cup journey is far from over — and full of opportunity.
