Palmer on the double as heated final ends dreams

CHELSEA manager Enzo Maresca declared his side’s 3-0 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Fifa Club World Cup final as meaningful as winning the Uefa Champions League, after clinching the title in commanding fashion at the MetLife Stadium.

- 

“I have the feeling that this competition is going to be as important, if not more important, than the Champions League,” said Maresca, who only joined the club a year ago. The Italian added the trophy to the Uefa Conference League Chelsea won in May.

Previously part of Pep Guardiola’s staff during Manchester City’s 2023 Champions League victory, Maresca said this new competition featuring the top clubs from across the globe - should be valued at the same level.

“It is a great triumph for us and it will allow the Chelsea fans to have that on our shirt for the next four years, so it is a source of pride,” he said.

Chelsea blew PSG away with three first-half goals. Cole Palmer struck twice before setting up Joao Pedro for the third, as Maresca’s gameplan delivered emphatically.