10/07/2025
HOW CHELSEA CAN WIN CLUB WORLD CUP.
Here’s how Chelsea can strategize to counter and potentially dismantle PSG in Sunday’s Club World Cup final:
🧠 1. Dominate the midfield battle
Start Caicedo & Fernandez (or Lavia) to disrupt PSG’s rhythm—both are strong in pressing, tackling, and transitioning play .
Use a double pivot to limit space for Neves–Vitinha–Ruiz trio, preventing them from dictating tempo.
🚀 2. Press high and counter their high line
Enzo Maresca’s system relies on aggressive counter-pressing—win the ball back high and spring quick attacks .
PSG’s defense plays a high line; Chelsea can exploit this with quick forwards like Cole Palmer, João Pedro, or Nkunku behind the defense .
📏 3. Overload half‑spaces in possession
Use an inverted full‑back system (à la Maresca/Guardiola) to create a 3‑2‑5 shape, flooding the channels and creating numerical superiority .
Overload the half‑spaces with Palmer and Pedro to drag defenders out of shape .
🎯 4. Stay compact defensively
When not pressing, drop into a tight mid-block (4‑4‑2 or 4‑5‑1) to frustrate PSG’s attackers .
Defensive shape must be sharp and disciplined—watch for PSG’s runs from Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia near the wings .
🎯 5. Make set pieces count
Chelsea earn ~7 corners per game and are dangerous with set-piece routines .
PSG have vulnerabilities on the counter—defend with concentration and quickly break with long throws or set free kicks.
⚠️ 6. Be Disciplined and Clinical
Avoid unnecessary early fouls or yellow cards, especially in midfield .
Take your chances: PSG will likely control possession and territory, so convert chances via counters or set plays.
🔑 Tactical Summary
Phase Objective
Pressing Win ball high, exploit pace on counters
Build-up Use inverted full-backs + midfield overloads
Defensive Compact mid-block, deny space centrally
Final Third Clinical finishing, set-piece threat
Why it could work
Momentum & belief: Chelsea have won 6 of 7 games in the tournament .
PSG fatigue?: They’ve played top sides like Bayern, Real Madrid, Atletico—may be worn out .
Fresh legs: Chelsea’s favorable draw means less fatigue entering final .
What PSG will threaten with
High-pressing, fast wing skill from Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Dominant trio in midfield
Defense strong in possession with high line—but vulnerable to pace
In summary: Chelsea need to play Maresca football to the fullest—intense pressing, smart build-up, half-space overloads, tight defense, and lethal counters/set-pieces. If they control the midfield and hit PSG on the break, they have a real shot.
Final Note: It’s still an uphill battle—PSG are 3/5 favourites —but with a perfect tactical performance, Chelsea could make history.
Moses Kanyira,sports analyst -Kenya
