Coming from a top for position and a conference league cup win, Chelsea have added the Club World Cup to their cabinet. Can the World Champions Now Conquer the Premier League?
Chelsea have written their name in football history by becoming the first winners of the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, defeating European champions Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling final at MetLife Stadium.
With the trophy secured, manager Enzo Maresca’s side has achieved the remarkable feat of winning every competition they’ve entered, from the Champions League to the Conference League and now the Club World Cup.
Yet, as the newly crowned world champions return to London with a gleaming addition to the Stamford Bridge cabinet, the burning question remains: can they end their Premier League title drought, last lifted in 2017?
This victory, built on standout performances from Cole Palmer, João Pedro, and Moisés Caicedo, underscores Chelsea’s potential. Palmer’s mesmerizing two goals and an assist for Pedro, alongside Caicedo’s midfield tenacity, dismantled PSG, proving Maresca’s tactical acumen.
The Italian coach’s decision to shift Reece James into midfield to counter PSG’s Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz was a masterstroke, outsmarting Luis Enrique, a treble-winning tactician. Maresca’s post-match claim that the Club World Cup rivals the Champions League in importance reflects his ambition, but for Chelsea fans, the Premier League crown is the true prize.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake’s £1 billion-plus investment since 2022, Chelsea have transformed, with Pedro’s £60m move from Brighton potentially the final piece. His instant chemistry with Palmer, complemented by Liam Delap’s impact off the bench, highlights a squad brimming with goal threats.
The defense, anchored by Robert Sánchez, showed resilience against PSG, addressing prior concerns. This blend of attacking flair and midfield grit positions Chelsea to challenge Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, who will have noted their U.S. dominance.
Consistency will be key. Maresca’s chess-like approach and the players’ ability to deliver in big moments—Palmer as a potential Salah or De Bruyne figure—offer hope. If Chelsea use the advantage of this momentum, the 2025-26 season could see them reclaim England’s top honor, proving their global success translates to domestic glory.
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