Enzo Maresca has highlighted the 'quality and energy' of Brazilian sides at the Club World Cup and knows that it is something his Chelsea side must overcome in today's semi-final against Fluminense.
The Blues have already faced two Brazilian clubs en route to the last four. In the group stage, we were beaten 3-1 by Flamengo. However, we responded and in our quarter-final against Palmeiras, Maresca's side produced a strong display to clinch a 2-1 win.
This evening's semi-final will be our 63rd match since the start of the 2024/25 campaign. Fluminense, in contrast, are just eleven matches into their domestic season in Brazil. It helps explain why there is a freshness to their performances, as Maresca explained.
'There are two things for me that are very clear, and one is that the quality of Brazilian players is top, the best quality.
'At the same time, what is also very clear is the energy that they have in this moment compared to other teams that, for different reasons, we don’t have. So for me, it’s the quality and energy from the teams [that have helped them perform strongly].'
There is a familiar face within the Fluminense ranks, with Blues legend Thiago Silva marshalling the club's backline.
The 40-year-old spent four seasons at Stamford Bridge and lifted three trophies, including the Champions League. His enduring quality also won the hearts of Chelsea supporters.
However, in tonight's semi-final, he is an opponent, and Maresca insists his focus is solely on how Fluminense can hurt the Blues as a collective rather than through individuals.
He said: ‘We don’t prepare games to face players, we prepare to face teams. Tomorrow is the same. We respect Thiago, absolutely, but we are preparing for the game against Fluminense.
'They have many experienced players, players with quality, so we need to pay attention and be careful of many different things.'
The Blues head coach added: 'You can learn things from any game. From different countries or different managers, you can always learn.
'It will be the third Brazilian team we’re going to face. The first two were very good, with lots of energy, and we don’t have any doubts it’s going to be exactly the same.’
Tickets are available to see our Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense in New Jersey and can be purchased from FIFA here. You can also watch the game live anywhere in the world via DAZN by signing up for free here.