Chelsea’s Reece James: We Won’t Back Down Against PSG in Club World Cup Final
Chelsea captain Reece James has boldly stated that the Blues will not back down against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in tonight’s Club World Cup final. PSG has been in sensational form this season, clinching their first Champions League title after a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. Their dominance in Ligue 1 saw them finish nearly 20 points ahead of second-place Marseille, culminating in a domestic treble that also includes the French Cup and Super Cup.
As PSG seeks to add a fifth trophy to their collection, having recently defeated Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid in the semi-finals, Chelsea under coach Enzo Maresca stands as the final hurdle. The Blues have shown impressive cohesion on their journey to the final, with new signings Liam Delap and Joao Pedro quickly making their mark. Joao Pedro, in particular, was instrumental in securing Chelsea’s place in the final, scoring two stunning goals against his former club, Fluminense, earlier this week.
Maresca has acknowledged PSG’s status as "the best team in the world," but he insists that Chelsea is determined to put up a fight. "They are showing their quality in France and the Champions League, and we have maximum respect for them," he said. "However, we are here to give our best and aim for victory in the final."
Reece James echoed his manager’s sentiments but with a more assertive tone. "This is a high-stakes game, and while they are among the top teams globally, it’s a final—a one-off match," he stated. "Many people see them as the favorites, but in past finals, we’ve been labeled favorites and didn’t always win. So, I don’t let that faze me. We’re prepared and ready to claim victory."
While PSG aims for an unprecedented sextuple, including a match against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup next month, Chelsea is looking to secure a remarkable double after their triumph in the Conference League in May. Under Maresca’s leadership, who took charge after a successful Championship campaign with Leicester, Chelsea has significantly improved and developed a more cohesive team.
Marc Cucurella, a key player who has thrived under Maresca, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the challenge ahead. "I have a lot of faith in our squad," he said. "We are in good form and believe in our players and our style of play. PSG is a strong team that starts matches aggressively, but we are prepared to manage the game on our terms. A final is a final, and we have a great opportunity to prove ourselves."
Chelsea’s Club World Cup journey—and their season—concludes tonight at 8 PM, as they face off against PSG in what promises to be an exhilarating showdown.
