Chelsea

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Reece James "does not care" that Chelsea are underdogs for Sunday's Club World Cup final against Paris St-Germain and insists the Blues will "surprise a lot of people".

Having won the French Cup, Ligue 1 and Champions League, PSG are a game away from a fourth major trophy of 2025 after destroying Real Madrid 4-0 in their semi-final on Wednesday.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca labelled them the "best team in the world" in his pre-match news conference, but his captain is unfazed by the praise for their opponents.

"To be honest, I don't care that everyone is bigging up our opposition," said James. "We're preparing right and we're going there to win.

"I've been in many finals before where we were favourites and we didn't come out on top."

Similarities have been drawn between the youthful nature of both Chelsea and PSG's squads, with Luis Enrique's side beating other Premier League sides Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in the Champions League before destroying Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

"PSG are amazing and we're expecting a tough game, but we also have an amazing team and we're going to surprise a lot of people," James added.

"I'm sure the analyst team we have will be looking at the games where PSG haven't done so well, and we'll try and adapt to that."

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Levi Colwill says Chelsea are "not Real Madrid" and are confident about facing Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

Most will view Enzo Maresca's side as underdogs against the Champions League winners, regarded in many quarters as currently the best team in the world.

However, Colwill says the squad are quietly confident of causing an upset and avoiding the comprehensive defeats suffered by Madrid in the semi-final on Wednesday and Inter Milan in the Champions League final last month.

"They are an amazing team – but we are not Inter or Real Madrid," Colwill said before training at New York Red Bulls Stadium.

"They were really good. But Real Madrid are very different to us. They don't press like us or play like us. [PSG] can't expect us to give them the same game. We're going to bring different things. We're different players.

"Most people around the world would expect PSG to win but we don't think that in this camp. I remember the first time in this tournament when I did media I said that we're winners - and we've made it this far.

"That shows I'm not lying. The players have got a really top mentality and we're really excited going into this final. It's where we belong to be.

"We're confident in ourselves to win the game."

PSG have only conceded one goal in six matches at the Club World Cup, but it was not enough to see them lose in their second group game against Brazilian side Botafogo.

"You have to respect how they press, how they play but we're not going to change our whole way to play them," Colwill said. "We've got our plan, our identity which we're going to stick to through the gaffer and that's when we play our best football so let's stick to it.

"We've got this far with playing our football so why are we going to change that now?"

Chelsea won the Conference League and qualified for next season's Champions League by finishing fourth.

Colwill is keen to acquire another trophy to the cabinet, especially with this the first opportunity to win the newly expanded Club World Cup.

"To put yourself in the history books would be really good for the team and build confidence going into the future," he added.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in New York

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Chelsea have no plans to have a parade to celebrate winning the Club World Cup final if they beat Paris St-Germain on Sunday.

Any decision to host a parade would have been unpopular with the squad, according to sources close to multiple different players, with the majority keen for a holiday.

Many Chelsea players are planning to travel to destinations in the Caribbean and Los Angeles following the final in New York, with families attending the game.

Chelsea's players began pre-season on Tuesday, 9 July 2024 and their season will have lasted more than 52 weeks when it ends on Sunday, 13 July 2025. The Club World Cup final will be their 64th match of the season - the joint-second most a club has played in the Premier League era.

Players will, however, earn substantial bonuses for reaching the final and would pocket even more for winning it.

The Blues will receive up to £87.5m for participation in the newly expanded competition and player bonuses are seen as just reward for extending their season.

Chelsea's decision to not host a parade also fits plans to give players three weeks off after the match at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

However, with a return for most players expected on Monday, 4 August, the schedule does mean the squad will get fewer than two weeks to prepare for the new Premier League season, with the opener against Crystal Palace on Sunday, 17 August.

The Premier League are unwilling to move Chelsea's opening match and are understood to have expressed concerns to Fifa about the calendar being expanded to host this tournament.

Arsenal are believed to be confident that England Under-21 attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri will sign a new contract despite interest in the 18-year-old from Chelsea and clubs in Germany. (Guardian), external

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Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in New York

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It is an example of Moises Caicedo's humility that he is more comfortable with saying he is the best table tennis player around, rather than saying he is the best midfielder around.

The 23-year-old ended the debate around his £115m fee from Brighton in a season when he started every Premier League game for Chelsea, played more minutes than anyone else and is now regarded as one of the club's star players alongside Cole Palmer.

The Ecuador midfielder also won both Chelsea's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards.

When asked if he is among the best in the world in his position, Caicedo replied: "I don't think that. I am working on that. I want to become one of the best midfielders in the world but I am too far right now.

"I am working hard every day and want to show it on the pitch."

A Club World Cup final against Champions League-winners Paris St-Germain offers chance to prove himself in a way where he cannot be denied such status.

"Yes, exactly," he added. "I want to do my talking on the pitch, showing my great football and then people can talk about me.

"You know people always talk when you are doing well. Even when they say bad things, I don't care because I just want to help my team and I focus on that."

In this more than one-month long tournament in the United States, Chelsea's players have spent a lot of time together and, when it comes to a club table tennis tournament at the team's various hotels, Caicedo insists in that arena he is the best.

"Yes, I am the best at that.. I am the best, I am the best!" he added while laughing. "It's good, fun and we have been having a good time and a lot of laughs. Who is the worst? I won't say that!"

There have been doubts about Caicedo's fitness for Sunday's showpiece after he came off early with an ankle problem in the semi-final win over Fluminense, but there was positive news as he trained with the squad on Thursday.

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

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Joao Pedro registered 26 touches of the ball against Fluminense. Of all Chelsea forwards to have started at the Club World Cup, only Jackson has managed as many touches in a match.

Not all of the Brazilian's touches took place inside the opposition half, however – far from it.

He was involved all over the pitch in Tuesday's semi-final, with seven of his touches coming inside his own half.

"The good thing about Joao is that we knew already how good he was," said Maresca after the game, also revealing he spoke to ex-Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi prior to signing him.

"Today he played deep but we know he is able to drop deep and link up the play. That's why we decided to bring him in."

By contrast, Delap only touched the ball twice inside his own half after starting Chelsea's final group game against Tunis, while only four of Jackson's touches against Los Angeles FC took place in the Blues' half of the pitch.

Joao Pedro also made more of an impact in wide areas, regularly popping up on both flanks in an effort to influence Chelsea's build-up play.

The majority of Delap and Jackson's touches, meanwhile, were in central areas in the final third of the pitch.

"Every team has a different style to play: Delap has a style, Jackson another and I have my way," Joao Pedro said before Tuesday's game.

"I think whoever brings more good things to the team is going to play."

On this evidence, Joao Pedro has more than an outside chance of beating both Delap and Jackson to a starting berth in Sunday's showpiece.

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We asked for your views on Chelsea reaching the final of the Club World Cup after beating Fluminense 2-0 on Tuesday, thanks to two Joao Pedro goals.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Fantastic result - well done, lads. It looks like our search for a great striker is finally over. The two goals reminded me of the sort of goals Drogba regularly scored. Good memories again.

Leigh: Good performance. Pedro looks like he has clicked with his team-mates already. Just the keeper needs sorting, and we could have a phenomenal squad. However, whoever we face in the final is going to be a big test for our young squad.

Rob: Let's hope Pedro can conquer his past temperament problems and knuckle down. We don't need a second Nicolas Jackson.

Anon: Overall, a very good performance from Chelsea. Pedro Neto again was outstanding. Jackson fluffed his lines and looked uninterested. Every time Robert Sanchez was involved, I was nervous. Although he didn't have much to do, it showed why he is a real liability - slow, laboured passing, resulting in a yellow card too. Fantastic full debut and goals from Pedro.

Nick: Chelsea were in control throughout and never seriously under threat. While Pedro rightly takes the headlines, there were good performances all round, including from Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Neto. Looking forward to the final, where Chelsea have every chance.

Jeff: Slow start to the competition, but the semi-final was played in front of a huge crowd. Given the financial rewards and experience, maybe the best pre-season or post-season ever! Congratulations to the management on agreeing to play.

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

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Much has been made about the vast riches on offer at this year's Club World Cup - and Chelsea are now closing in on the jackpot.

Tuesday's 2-0 win over Fluminense not only saw them book their spot in the final but also pocket almost an extra £22m in prize money.

The potential prize money was initially reported as £97m but the exchange rate between US dollars and British pounds has changed since then, meaning the maximum available was in the region of £92m.

Manchester City were on course to win that, earning the maximum participation fee of £27.8m and winning all of their group games - only to then go out in the last 16.

The participation fee for European teams varies depending on "sporting and commercial criteria".

Chelsea are on the upper end of the scale but do not get quite as much, BBC Sport has been told, meaning the total prize money available was slightly lower than for City.

How much have Chelsea now earned?

Chelsea's semi-final win over Brazilian side Fluminense takes their total prize pot to about £80m, although Fifa has not confirmed their exact participation fee.

On top of the £21.9m for reaching the final, the Blues will win another £7.3m if they lift the trophy.

How does the prize money equate to signings?

Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton in a deal potentially worth £60m, repaid about a third of his transfer fee with his two decisive goals against Fluminense.

But Chelsea's total prize money for the competition would be more than enough to pay for the deal which brought him to the club - with a bit more left over going towards the £30m signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

It will also help towards the £29m they will pay for Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian after the Club World Cup, while Jamie Gittens - a £48.5m signing from Dortmund - is another expensive new arrival.

To put the total potential prize pot of £91.4m into context, only about 12 transfer fees in football history amount to more.

Get the full lowdown on the Club World Cup prize money

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Chelsea's victory over Fluminense, which sets up a final against Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid, guarantees European sides will extend their stranglehold over the Club World Cup.

While there have been several notable results for South American and Asian teams at this summer's expanded tournament, including Al-Hilal eliminating Manchester City, this will be the 12th time in a row a European club has been crowned champions.

The last winners from outside of Uefa were Brazilian outfit Corinthians in 2012, who coincidentally beat Chelsea in the final.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in New York

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Pedro Neto has dedicated his involvement in the upcoming Club World Cup final to Diogo Jota - his former team-mate who died in a car crash last week.

The 25-year-old winger played with Jota at Wolves before he joined Liverpool and with Portugal.

Neto paid tribute to Jota before the quarter-final win over Palmeiras and again referenced him after Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0 at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday to reach Sunday's final against either Real Madrid or Paris St-Germain.

"It's been really difficult in the past few days and I just want to leave a message that this final is for him and his brother," Neto said. "It's a really tough time for me, difficult to speak about it and let's hope I can do it for him.

"But I want to dedicate this final to him and his family and show my support in these difficult times for them."

The conversation naturally moved to Chelsea's achievement in reaching the final of a lucrative and newly expanded Club World Cup, with Neto their top scorer on three goals.

He added: "The results speak for themselves and show how hard we've been working. We've been doing good things and we've improved a lot. We all think there is more to come from this team.

"We hope to finish in the best way. It would be unbelievable, a dream come true and I'm really, really looking forward to playing this final and hopefully winning it on Sunday."

Matthew Howarth
BBC Sport journalist

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Chelsea are not exactly short of riches in the forward department, but Joao Pedro may have just given himself a head start over his new attacking colleagues before Sunday's Club World Cup final.

The former Brighton striker was handed his first start in the semi-final against Fluminense – his boyhood side – and announced his arrival with two stunning strikes either side of half-time.

The Brazilian found the net with two of his three attempts, and with both his efforts on target. Only Christopher Nkunku registered as many shots, while no other Blues player had as many shots on target.

Pedro also gave Chelsea an attacking focal point, competing in nine duels and four aerial duels before being replaced by Nicolas Jackson on the hour mark.

Only Nkunku and Moises Caicedo - both of whom were on the pitch a lot longer - registered more duels overall, with only Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah taking part in as many aerial tussles.

"It's not just the goals," said ex-Real Madrid, Tottenham and Wales winger Gareth Bale on DAZN. "It's the link-up play, it's the passing, it's the vision. It was a great all-round performance.

"This is the next step up in his career. He's on the right trajectory. We can see the ability he's got and hopefully he can keep kicking on."

England forward Callum Wilson, who has just left Newcastle United, added: "He's already a player with confidence but he will have wanted to hit the ground running straight away and that's exactly what he has done.

"What a signing he could turn out to be."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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The much-fabled American dream is the concept of hard work delivering riches.

In Chelsea's case, this is true of their players at the Club World Cup. They have extended their season by seven matches in brutal temperatures with additional travel, but may soon have silverware to show for taking it seriously.

They will bank bonuses because the club have earned more than £80m, which could stretch to almost £100m if they lift the trophy.

Goalscorer Joao Pedro was outstanding and won the official man of the match award, but so was winger Pedro Neto, who is also potentially the Blues' best performer at the competition and a contender to be crowned player of the tournament.

Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella were also good, while Christopher Nkunku produced arguable his best display of 2025, despite continued links with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are monitoring Lyon winger Malick Fofana as competition grows for the 20-year-old Belgian, with Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich also showing interest in a potential summer move. (Sky Sports), external

Meanwhile, German champions Bayern have held talks with Christopher Nkunku's agent as they consider a move for the Blues forward. (Bild - in German), external

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, speaking to Dazn after beating Fluminense 2-0 to reach the Club World Cup final: "It is a great achievement. It has been a fantastic season - top four in the Premier League, Conference League and now in the final of this competition. We are so, so happy."

On Joao Pedro's goals: "We know that we have players able to do that. We know we have to help them get in situations where they can do that and we know Joao can do this."

On bringing Nicolas Jackson on after an hour: "Nicolas is our player. He is a striker. He played almost all the games last season. Now Joao started today but yes, he was OK."

On how happy he is with the competition in his squad: "I am very happy, to be honest, because I know how difficult it is with all the games."

On the form of the team: "We go game by game. Finally we have the last game of the season and hopefully we can win the tournament."

On Moises Caicedo's injury: "I told him he has to do everything to be on the pitch on Sunday, so we will see."

On facing Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid: "They are both top teams. One won the Champions League this season, the other one last season. They are top teams but we are proud and we are happy to be there."

It's all over at MetLife Stadium where Chelsea have reached the Club World Cup final thanks to two goals from new striker Joao Pedro.

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