"Chelsea exploited every small weakness we had," Marquinhos told DAZN after the match. "Tactically, they made it difficult in the first half, and PSG took a while to react. These are things we will have to learn from. Opponents will always study carefully to know what we do well and what we don't, it's up to us to improve and always perform at our best."

PSG center-back Marquinhos and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma are helpless as forward Joao Pedro scores the final goal in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over PSG in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 13/7. Photo: AFP

According to the Brazilian center-back, Chelsea were strong in physical battles, especially in the first half, winning many individual challenges, while PSG underperformed. "When you play effectively, things change. We had chances but weren't effective in the first half, and we paid the price with the result," he admitted.

At MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on 13/7, PSG started poorly, conceding three goals to Chelsea in the first half. In the second half, when "The Blues" reduced their tempo, PSG created a better game. Coach Luis Enrique brought on Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, and Warren Zaire-Emery to refresh the attack, but PSG couldn't score.

Marquinhos thanked the fans for always supporting the club through both good and bad times. The 31-year-old center-back expressed regret at missing out on the FIFA Club World Cup title, unsure if they would participate in the next tournament. Under the new format, the FIFA Club World Cup will be held every 4 years, with the next edition in 2029.

"This was a golden opportunity, and we really wanted to bring this Cup back to Paris," Marquinhos said. "I apologize for not being able to win. But this result doesn't take away from what the whole team has done in an incredible season. We didn't shy away, we tried to play our way. But Chelsea deserved the victory and were more effective than us."

PSG missed out on their first title of the season after securing 4 titles earlier: Ligue 1, French Cup, French Super Cup, and Champions League.

Despite the heavy defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup final, President Nasser al-Khelaifi remained proud of PSG's achievements so far this season. "We wanted to win the Club World Cup too, but this is football. The players gave their all, but they were tired," he said. "This is the club's best season. I'm proud of the players, the coaching staff, and all the members."

Coach Luis Enrique directs the match. Photo: PSG

Similarly, coach Luis Enrique assessed PSG's performance at the tournament as good, despite not winning the title. PSG defeated Atletico Madrid, Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, Bayern, and Real Madrid with a combined score of 16-0 en route to the final.

"This is sport at the highest level, this is life, and you have to accept it," the Spanish coach said. "This has been a very long season, and now it's time to enjoy the holidays. We will continue to be stronger. That's the goal."

Hong Duy (according to L'Equipe)