PHILADELPHIA — Despite temperatures soaring to 100 degrees in Philadelphia, Chelsea achieved their objective, securing a 3-0 victory against Esperance De Tunisie on Tuesday night. The Blues required just a point to guarantee qualification for the round of 16. Even with Enzo Maresca making numerous changes to the squad following a disappointing defeat to Flamengo, they successfully navigated the challenge. In competitions like the Club World Cup, sometimes the primary goal is simply to survive and advance. While this can be difficult at the culmination of a demanding season, the prospect of lifting a trophy provides a powerful incentive to refocus.
Some observers might view the Club World Cup as merely glorified friendlies, but the players themselves do not share this perspective, especially as the knockout rounds approach. Chelsea was determined to progress to the next stage, even though several players had already accumulated over 50 appearances for the club during a season that saw them win the Europa Conference League and qualify for the Champions League.
This expanded tournament holds a distinct place in the summer schedule. Although concerns about the physical demands on players persist, these worries are set aside during matches as the potential for glory with each win becomes more tangible.
`We`re not treating this as a preseason, this is just another competition at the back end of a regular season, and it`s a big competition that we want to push in,` said Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo after the game.
There is significant motivation for the players in this tournament that a standard friendly would not offer. This includes integrating new signings like Liam Delap, providing young players opportunities to demonstrate their readiness for senior football, and giving everyone a chance to prove to Enzo Maresca that they deserve a place in Chelsea`s Champions League squad next season. Last season allowed for almost two distinct squads – one for the Conference League and another for the Premier League – but the upcoming campaign will necessitate a more unified main squad.
This could lead to some players currently with the team in the United States potentially moving on, while new signings may arrive. This is the inherent nature of football. However, the immediate focus is not on future transfers but on winning another trophy as the 2024-25 season concludes. Holidays await afterward, and they will undoubtedly feel more rewarding with additional silverware.
Chelsea`s Benoit Badiashile summarized the mindset succinctly: `When you have the chance to play in the Club World Cup, you have to give 100%.`
Indeed, if the Blues hadn`t committed fully, they would likely have struggled against Esperance, who enjoyed vocal backing from their supporters. Playing against opposition where every team is genuinely competing to win, rather than participating in matches where outcomes are predetermined or penalties are taken regardless of score, is crucial. While some preseason tournaments attempt to replicate this competitive edge, they ultimately cannot escape their fundamental nature as preparatory matches.
The Club World Cup is different. While its expansion has raised questions about the participation of certain clubs, the results so far demonstrate the high stakes. Inter Miami advanced to the round of 16, Botafogo defeated Paris Saint-Germain, and even semi-professional side Auckland City FC earned a point, while established European giants like Atletico Madrid and Porto exited in the group stage. This clearly indicates that teams that fail to give their utmost effort will face defeat.
Furthermore, the special transfer window introduced for this tournament allowed teams like Chelsea to make key additions, such as signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. This tournament presents a dream scenario for a new player to integrate quickly. Delap was able to step in for the suspended Nicolas Jackson, score his first goal for Chelsea, and is rapidly making a case to be the starting striker when the Premier League season begins. This accelerated progress might not have been possible without this competition.
Delap himself highlighted the benefit: `This tournament has really helped me settle in because you know if we`re back at the training ground, everyone would be disappearing at three o`clock. And here we`re together all the time, so it`s a great way to get settled in, and everyone`s been really helpful.`
Spending extended periods together, with some players bonding even while staying in the locker rooms to avoid the heat, helps foster team chemistry and accelerates the adjustment period for new arrivals. Coupled with the tangible prize of a real trophy, there is ample motivation for all involved.
As Delap put it: `That`s why I came to this club. That`s why I started playing football, to play on big stages like this, so I`m really excited.`
While not all players will necessarily view the tournament with the same youthful eagerness as a 22-year-old looking to make his mark, the prevailing attitude among teams appears to be one of intense competition. Nobody wants to lose these matches, and the potential prize money is also a contributing factor. Fans from non-European teams have traveled in large numbers to support their sides, creating challenging, even hostile, environments for European clubs facing unfamiliar opponents – an experience that offers unique opportunities for growth compared to a typical offseason break.
Only time will reveal the ultimate benefits this competition provides compared to a standard break, but for now, all participating teams are clearly focused and determined to compete for the Club World Cup trophy.
Benedict Kingsley 
Adrian Whitmore