Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca claimed that European clubs came to the Club World Cup after gruelling campaigns compared to South American teams but was left speechless when it was pointed out that the Blues' semi-final opponents, Fluminense, have played more matches than them since the summer of 2024. Chelsea appeared in 63 matches across all competitions before heading to the United States.
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Maresca left speechless after fact checkClaimed European clubs had most difficult scheduleChelsea face Fluminense in CWC semi-finalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Maresca cited his team's example and tried to claim that South American clubs had a more relaxed fixture list before heading to the Club World Cup compared to European outfits, but was left stunned when a stat was pointed out showing that Fluminense played more games than the Blues.
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At his pre-match press conference, the Italian coach initially ranted: "We've played 63 games this season! European teams come into this competition differently than South American teams. The conditions are different."
The Blues boss, however, was left speechless when a reporter replied: "Fluminense has played 70 games this season, in the same span."
Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream nowWATCH THE CLIPGetty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BLUES?
Chelsea, who have lost just one match out of their last eight outings in all competitions, will hope to reach the Club World Cup final by beating Fluminese in the last-four stage on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.