Jul 12

Jul 12 Maresca Praises PSG’s Style Ahead of Club World Cup Final Clash: “They’re a Reference for Football Lovers”

As the stage is set for the FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night in the U.S., Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has shown both respect and readiness, highlighting two key strengths in Luis Enrique’s PSG setup.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Maresca praised the French champions' possession-based approach and aggressive pressing, calling them a “reference” for fans and tacticians alike.

🗣️ “For sure, PSG and their manager are a reference for all people that love football,” Maresca said.
“They are a team that likes to keep the ball… they also like to press high up and we do the same.”

He added that Chelsea have been developing their own identity and are ready to match the Parisians both on and off the ball.

⚽ Opinion: Clash of Football Ideologies, Not Just Superstars

What makes this final especially thrilling isn’t just the star power or the stakes — it’s the tactical chess match between two coaches who believe in fluid possession, structured buildup, and high-energy pressing.

Luis Enrique’s PSG has been a revelation — more than just flashy forwards, they are now disciplined, technical, and efficient. Meanwhile, Maresca’s Chelsea is still evolving, but clearly aiming to mirror a similar philosophy rooted in modern positional play.

This final could be a glimpse into the future of elite club football — where tactics and tempo matter just as much as talent.

📊 Stat to Watch:

Both Chelsea and PSG rank among the top three teams in ball possession this tournament, and both average over 60% pressing success rate in the final third.

🏆 Who Takes the Crown?

Will Chelsea’s youthful exuberance and evolving structure stun the polished, star-studded PSG? Or will Luis Enrique’s machine-like midfield and pressing power secure them another trophy? One thing’s for sure — this isn’t just a final, it’s a football purist’s dream.