Chelsea booked their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final with a 2-0 win over Fluminense, and head coach Enzo Maresca had high praise for match hero Joao Pedro.
Maresca: “A remarkable season for Chelsea”
Following the victory, Maresca said, “This is a great achievement. Chelsea have had an outstanding season—top four in the Premier League, winners of the Conference League, and now we’re in the final of this tournament. The whole team is really happy.”
He reserved special words for Joao Pedro, who netted both goals in the semifinal: “We know how talented Joao Pedro is. He was amazing tonight. Chelsea always takes it one match at a time, and now we’re heading into the season’s final game. Hopefully, we can lift another trophy.”
Regarding Moises Caicedo’s injury, Maresca shared: “I told Moises he has to do everything he can to be ready for Sunday. So let’s wait and see.”
On the other semifinal, featuring PSG and Real Madrid, Maresca noted, “Both teams are elite—one just won the Champions League this season, and the other won it last year. They’re incredibly strong, but we’re proud and happy to be in the final.”
Joao Pedro: “Sorry to my old club, but I had to do my job”
Joao Pedro, named Man of the Match, also addressed his standout performance. The Brazilian striker, formerly of Fluminense, said, “This was a dream first start. I couldn’t ask for more. Now, we need to focus on the final.”
He continued, “I’m happy to have scored my first goal for Chelsea, but I also know how much this competition means to Fluminense. I can only say sorry, but I have to stay professional. I play for Chelsea now, and my job is to score goals.”
Looking ahead, Pedro added, “I’ve had more chances to show what I can do. The team played really well, and that’s what matters. Now we rest and get ready for the final.”
“It’s going to be a special game—my first career title. This team is amazing; they’ve helped me so much, and I feel really comfortable here,” he concluded.
Chelsea will face the winner of PSG vs Real Madrid in the final, set to be a historic clash for the London side and their rising star Joao Pedro.