"I don't think Chelsea is the favorite," Maresca said on 7/7 during a press conference at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. "At this point, there is no favorite. All the clubs here deserve to be here, have their strengths and will do everything to reach the final."

Coach Maresca during the press conference before Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup semifinal match against Fluminense at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 7/7. _Photo: Chelsea FC_

Before the quarterfinals, Opta ranked Chelsea as the top contender with a 26.8% chance of winning. However, going into the semifinals, they dropped to second with a 33.27% chance of winning the title match, behind PSG with a 39.33% chance.

Maresca dismissed the notion that Chelsea is rated higher than Fluminense, arguing that the domestic league schedule gives South American teams an unfair advantage. According to the Italian coach, South American clubs are in peak form mid-season, while European teams are exhausted at the end of a long season.

"The issue is not that we don't value this tournament, but that the teams have arrived in two completely different situations and realities. How many matches has the Brazilian club played in the current season? We have played 63," Maresca explained.

However, a Brazilian reporter countered that Fluminense has played 70 matches during the same period, more than Chelsea. After receiving the answer, Maresca paused in surprise.

Since the beginning of the tournament, Maresca has repeatedly complained about the hot weather and the schedule affecting his players' physical condition. He was also angry that the Benfica match in the round of 16 was postponed for two hours due to weather, and argued that the US is not qualified to host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

At yesterday's press conference, Maresca explained that Chelsea values the tournament, but the organizers need to improve its structure. "I consider the Club World Cup a top tournament, and we are happy to participate and want to win. But at the same time there are some things I think could be improved, perhaps because this is the first time the tournament has been organized."

Coach Enzo Maresca and new signing Joao Pedro during training on 7/7. _Photo: Chelsea FC_

Fluminense is the third Brazilian club Chelsea has faced at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. They previously lost 1-3 to Flamengo in the group stage and beat Palmeiras 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

"The quality of Brazilian players is probably top-notch, the best," Maresca said, continuing to emphasize the physical gap between the in-form South American teams and the exhausted European teams. "There are two very clear things in the previous two matches against Brazilian teams: one is quality, two is energy, which for various reasons is something we don't have. Top quality and defensive ability, they are all very good. So this will be a difficult match."

Compiled by Hong Duy