Club World Cup: Fans React after Photo of Chelsea Players Kneeling Before PSG Game Surfaces
- A photo of Chelsea players in training a day before the Club World Cup final has elicited mixed reactions
- The Blues will play Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey for a shot at being crowned the World Champions
- Given what PSG have achieved in 2025, Enzo Maresca's side will be the underdogs in the blockbuster final
When the Club World Cup started a month ago, no one expected the final game would create as much attention as it has.
Source: UGC
On Sunday evening, the whole football world will be fixated on the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey when Reece James (or Enzo Fernandez) and Marquinhos lead out their teams for the final.
The first final of the revamped Club World Cup will be an all-European affair when Paris Saint-Germain take on Chelsea.
Much has been said about PSG's recent dominance, with Luis Enrique's side steamrolling every team on their way. Save for Botafogo in the group stage, PSG have won their last 11 games, seeing off heavyweights like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
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It therefore goes without saying that they will be the favourites to win the Sunday final.
Chelsea photo before World Cup final elicits reactions
It was, therefore, amusing to fans after a photo of Chelsea players kneeling during a training session surfaced online.
The kneeling was probably a training routine, but fans concluded they were seeking divine intervention for the huge test that awaits them.
"No amount of prayers will save you."
Chidi said,
"Instead of training, una dey do crusade."
While Toria Nkanang said,
"PSG training was briefly interrupted today after a heated argument between Dembélé and Désiré Doué over who should score the 8th goal vs Chelsea on Sunday."
Chelsea vs PSG preview
Both managers have expressed their respect for one another as they prepare to go head to head. Maresca has reiterated that his side are capable of pulling off the upset and becoming champions.
"What worries me about Paris Saint-Germain is what worries me about any team. We are trying to help the team prepare for the match in the best way possible, by giving all the information possible to the players so they can perform on the pitch," he said as captured on Chelsea's website.
"I respect every team, but the way I prepare for the match on Sunday is the same way I prepared for the match against the Brazilian teams."
The Italian head coach also confirmed that Moises Caicedo was back in training and could be available to start the game on Sunday.
Caicedo went off with an injured ankle in the dying minutes of the win against Fluminense and had been a doubt.
Luis Enrique: I like Maresca
PSG boss had glowing praise for his counterpart, admitting that he watches a lot of Chelsea games.
"I have analysed Chelsea, and they have won the Conference League. They are improving, and they have very good players individually, and the coach is doing a great job," he told PSG's website.
Source: Getty Images
“Enzo Maresca, I really like him and the type of football they play. They use players with real technical quality. They finished fourth in the Premier League and had a sensational season. This will certainly not be an easy game."
Chelsea vs PSG confirmed line-ups
Moises Caicedo passed a late fitness test to be named on the starting XI after hurting his ankle in midweek.
The Ecuadorian will partner captain Reece James, who will play in the middle of the pack. Malo Gusto will start at right-back. Levi Colwill returns from suspension to play at centre-back, while Joao Pedro has maintained his place upfront.
PSG, meanwhile, remain unchanged from the squad that started in the Real Madrid game. Ousmane Dembele will lead the line flanked by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue.
Why did Cole Palmer lash out at Nicolas Jackson?
In a different report, Cole Palmer was furious with Nicolas Jackson during their game against Fluminense.
The England star was not happy because the Senegal striker refused to pass to him since he was open.
The striker has struggled and will have to fight for his spot after the arrival of Liam Delap and João Pedro.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
