EAST RUTHERFORD, United States: Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca praised Cole Palmer’s ability to stand out in important matches, after the player was named the best player of the Club World Cup following Chelsea’s stylish 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the final early this morning.
“This is the kind of game we expected Cole Palmer to excel in and once again he proved his ability,” Maresca told a news conference after Palmer scored twice and provided an assist for Joao Pedro in a brilliant display against the Champions League winners.
Maresca revealed his tactical plan was a complete success, as Chelsea pressed PSG fiercely and used direct passes into the space behind the opposition defence with devastating effect.
“Our idea was to play one-on-one because if you give PSG space, they will punish you. So we tried to be aggressive and press them from the start and that intensity was very important in the first 10 minutes because the heat was extreme, it was really difficult conditions to play in,” explained Maresca.
The Italian coach also highlighted how his team managed to exploit weaknesses in PSG’s left-back, adding: “We managed to attack on the left side of their defence. Everything went well for us thanks to the players’ hard work.”
Maresca praised his lineup for executing the game plan perfectly, and their high-intensity style was a deciding factor in the scorching heat of New Jersey.
He also expressed his joy at winning the Club World Cup, which he said would be valued even higher in the future.
“I think this competition (the Club World Cup) will be as important or maybe more important than the Champions League,” Maresca said.
“I was lucky enough to be part of the coaching staff (at Manchester City) that won the Champions League three years ago, but this competition (the Club World Cup) brings together the best clubs in the world. That’s why we value it as much as the Champions League or maybe even more.
“For us, this is a great achievement. Giving Chelsea fans the opportunity to wear the world champion badge on their jersey is a great source of pride for us.”