
Mariska: Chelsea Deserved the Win, and I Will Prepare for the Match Against Fluminense from Now
The Italian Enzo Mariska, the head coach of Chelsea, expressed his complete satisfaction with his players' performance following the victory over the Brazilian Palmeiras with a score of two goals to one in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, affirming that the team deserved the win without relying on luck.
Mariska said: "In the first half, we were completely in control of the match, we didn't give them any chances and scored a goal, and we could have scored more. In the second half, they started better and scored the equalizer, but we regained control in the last 20 or 25 minutes. I believe we deserved the win without depending on luck."
Regarding the future of Noni Madueke with the team, the Chelsea coach commented: "Noni Madueke has been very important for us throughout the season, and today he also played a big role. But my message to all the players is clear: I only want players who are happy to be with us. Anyone who does not feel happy is free to leave. This applies to everyone, not just Noni."
Mariska also addressed the financial fine imposed on Chelsea by UEFA due to financial breaches, stating: "These are matters I don't concern myself with. I focus only on my daily work with the players, how to improve them and the team's performance, and winning as many matches as possible."
Mariska revealed the team's plan for executing corner kicks, explaining: "Since the start of the tournament, we have developed a new structure for corner kicks because we always strive to improve offensively. We play short corners most of the time, but we also have the option for long corners."
Mariska concluded his statements by discussing the match against Fluminense in the semi-finals, saying: "Starting from tomorrow, I will focus on Fluminense. I have watched some of their matches, and they are very organized with great players and a coach doing an excellent job. The Brazilian team plays with a lot of energy because they are at the beginning of their season, and we will handle this situation differently."
Mariska said: "In the first half, we were completely in control of the match, we didn't give them any chances and scored a goal, and we could have scored more. In the second half, they started better and scored the equalizer, but we regained control in the last 20 or 25 minutes. I believe we deserved the win without depending on luck."
Regarding the future of Noni Madueke with the team, the Chelsea coach commented: "Noni Madueke has been very important for us throughout the season, and today he also played a big role. But my message to all the players is clear: I only want players who are happy to be with us. Anyone who does not feel happy is free to leave. This applies to everyone, not just Noni."
Mariska also addressed the financial fine imposed on Chelsea by UEFA due to financial breaches, stating: "These are matters I don't concern myself with. I focus only on my daily work with the players, how to improve them and the team's performance, and winning as many matches as possible."
Mariska revealed the team's plan for executing corner kicks, explaining: "Since the start of the tournament, we have developed a new structure for corner kicks because we always strive to improve offensively. We play short corners most of the time, but we also have the option for long corners."
Mariska concluded his statements by discussing the match against Fluminense in the semi-finals, saying: "Starting from tomorrow, I will focus on Fluminense. I have watched some of their matches, and they are very organized with great players and a coach doing an excellent job. The Brazilian team plays with a lot of energy because they are at the beginning of their season, and we will handle this situation differently."