Red-hot action beats beach for confident Neto

PEDRO NETO insists he would far rather be at the Club World Cup than sunning himself on the beach.

- By John Cross

The 32-team tournament in the baking-hot United States has taken a lot of criticism for denying European stars much of a summer break.

Chelsea have had a mixed start, beating Los Angeles FC but then losing to Flamengo, when they also had Nicolas Jackson sent off.

They face Club Tunis in their final group match on Wednesday and Chelsea winger Neto would not prefer to be on holiday.

"We have to be thankful. We are here playing this tournament," said Neto, who was then asked whether he would rather be in the US than on the beach and added: "I'm 100 per cent sure.

"We have to enjoy it. A lot of players would love to be in my place.