Maresca’s Masterplan: How Chelsea’s aggression shocked PSG in Club World Cup final

In the end, it was Enzo Maresca’s plan — not Paris Saint-Germain’s pedigree — that ruled the night.

Chelsea delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup final, dismantling the French giants with a high-pressing blueprint and clinical finishing. It was a tactical triumph for Maresca, who hailed his players and admitted he was “lost for words” after lifting his first major trophy as Chelsea head coach.

I have no words for players: Maresca

“I have no words for the players. They all deserve this and it’s a good moment,” said Maresca. “I think PSG are so good that if you give them the ball back — that’s my opinion — you have to press them with intensity.”

Chelsea suffocated PSG’s build-up early in the game, dominating the first 10 minutes with relentless pressing. “That was our ideal world. We knew we couldn’t do it for 90 minutes, especially with the weather, but we tried to be very aggressive,” Maresca said.

Cole Palmer, who continues to grow into Chelsea’s most reliable big-game player, was at the centre of the storm. The 22-year-old scored twice and was named the tournament’s Best Player.

“It’s a great feeling,” Palmer said. “Even better because everyone doubted us before the game — we knew that. To put in a fight like we did, it’s good.”

Exploiting the spaces in PSG defence

Maresca’s tactical design gave Palmer license to drift inside from the right flank, allowing him to exploit the space behind PSG’s defensive line. The plan worked to perfection.

“The gaffer put out a great game plan. He knew where the space was going to be,” Palmer said. “He tried to free me up as much as possible, and I just had to repay him and score some goals.”

Palmer also credited Maresca for laying the foundations for a new era at Stamford Bridge. “He is building something special, something important. Everyone has talked a lot about us all season, but I feel like we’re going in the right direction.”

On the opposing end, PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted the defeat was avoidable and reflected on the on-field tensions that marred the end of the match.

Enrique praises tournament's role

“I believe the whole situation was completely avoidable, and everyone bore some responsibility,” Enrique said. “There was a lot of tension, a lot of pressure — and from that point on, a number of people got involved in some pushing.”

Enrique, however, expressed appreciation for the broader value of the competition.

“This tournament comes from a long-standing need to determine who the best team in the world is. I found it interesting, and I liked it,” he said. “We didn’t get the chance to win it — there was a team that was better than us in the final.”

— With inputs from IANS