‘FA staff drafted in as Chelsea reap rewards at Club World Cup’
Todd Boehly and Chelsea made an extra addition behind the scenes for the club’s successful run to the Club World Cup final.
The Blues are possibly just 90 minutes away from lifting their second trophy in as many months after beating Real Betis in the final of the Europa Conference League back in May.
It has been a rollercoaster of a journey for Enzo Maresca since leaving Leicester City to be appointed at Stamford Bridge, but the Italian has proven himself against some very tough opposition already.
Ligue 1 champions, PSG, are a completely different challenge, however, but it appears that the Blues have entered into the competition in America with the right mindset after hiring from the Football Association (FA).
The Premier League side could be outnumbered by Luis Enrique’s PSG ultras on Sunday, 13 July, but whatever happens, it has been a run of performances to be proud of from the Blues.
Chelsea make smart hire ahead of Club World Cup
According to BBC Sport (12 July), the Blues smartly drafted in staff from the FA to help organise camps behind the scenes, working closely with the families of the players to organise accommodation and entertainment.
Players have been kept much happier than expected, meeting their family and friends, which appears to have paid off, as Maresca’s side are set to walk away with more than 10 per cent of the £740m prize pot, whatever happens in the final.
Football Insider verdict
The Blues already look to have recuperated much of their transfer fees for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, having paid £60m [Sky Sports] and £30m [BBC Sport], respectively, this summer.
Of course, Jamie Gittens’ move from Borussia Dortmund has raised the stakes, but finance expert Kieran Maguire has been very impressed with Chelsea’s dealings over the last few years.
After securing Champions League football last season, having also won the Europa Conference League title, supporters will be expecting even more from the team next season.
The likes of Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, and Christopher Nkunku all need to follow the Arsenal-bound Noni Madueke out of the exit doors, but there is time for business.
Right now, all focus is on Maresca preparing his team to take on the current Champions League winners, PSG, which is an entirely different challenge to what the manager has faced with the Blues so far.
It is an incredible opportunity to earn even more funds from the Club World Cup, and with the FA hire making a huge difference, the tournament has emerged as a major learning tool for the club.