Enzo Maresca 'Proud To Help Chelsea Get Back To Where They Deserve' After Reaching FIFA CWC Final

Last Updated:July 09, 2025, 08:55 IST

The PL giants posted a 2-0 win over the Brazilian side as new signing Joao Pedro netted either side of half-time to help the English outfit punch their ticket to the summit clash.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca waves to the crowd at the end of the Club World Cup round of 16 match between Benfica and Chelsea in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lauded the efforts of his side following their triumph over Brazilian outfit Fluminense in the semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 to move into the final of the revamped edition of the tournament.

The Premier League giants posted a 2-0 win over the Brazilian side as new signing Joao Pedro netted on either side of half-time to help the English outfit punch their ticket to the summit clash.

“We are very happy and very proud to be in the final on Sunday because this is the first edition of the Club World Cup and the best clubs in the world are here," Maresca said.

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Pedro, who opened the scoring in the 18th minute, doubled his tally in the 56th minute of the game to put his side two goals to the good.

“I am very happy for Joao. He has the quality to decide games like today, but also he was on holiday so is probably a bit more fresh compared to the rest," the Italian boss said.

“We knew what Joao was like. We brought him in because this season we faced many teams with low blocks and his quality is very good against these kinds of teams," the 62-year-old added.

Chelsea, who clinched the UEFA Conference League title have the chance to add to their trophy cabinet with a victory in the summit clash in North America as they await the winner of the game between Real Madrid and PSG.

“The last few years have not been what this club deserves, but this year luckily things went pretty well and now we are in the final," said the Italian.

“We are very proud to help the team be back where they deserve to be," the gaffer added.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo appeared to have picked up a knock during the win as he limped off the field towards the end of the game.

“‘Moi’ twisted his ankle. When it happened I told him that we could play with 10 players and hope it doesn’t get worse," Maresca revealed.

“He felt he could try to play on which he did and he felt pain. Hopefully he can be fit for Sunday," he added.

The Italian said that the Brazilian side’s deep run at the prestigious event helped restore the nation’s prowess on the global stage

“Fluminense’s campaign was wonderful, I think we all felt that. We overcame some major opponents," he said .

“Chelsea deserved the win but I am very proud of everything we did. We go out with our heads held high," Maresca concluded.

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Pedro, who joined Chelsea from Brighton for a reported £60 million, opted not to celebrate his twin-strikes against former club Fluminense in a mark of respect for the club where he started out his senior career before moving to English shores with Watford and then Brighton eventually.

“When I was young they gave everything to me, they showed me to the world," the 23-year-old said.

“If I am here now it is because they believed in me so I am very grateful but this is football, I have to be professional. I feel sorry for them but I have to do my job," he added.

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