Chelsea’s Maresca braces for game of chess against PSG in Club World Cup final

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EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey - Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has likened Sunday’s Club World Cup final against Paris St. Germain to a game of chess, as the Blues prepare to face the Champions League holders and Ligue 1 giants in a highly anticipated clash.

Speaking to reporters on Friday at New Jerseys MetLife Stadium, Maresca emphasised the tactical nature of the showdown, which pits his side against Luis Enrique’s PSG.

“I really love chess and I see many similarities between chess and football,” Maresca said. “At a tactical level, I don’t believe in chess moves during matches but the manager must react when another manager reacts.

Of course, this will be a tough chess match against Luis Enrique but we will try to enjoy it, for sure.”

Maresca, who has guided Chelsea into the final with a mix of defensive solidity and attacking flair, was full of admiration for his opposite number.

“For sure, PSG and their manager, Luis Enrique, are a reference not only for me but for many people who love football. I believe they have an incredible team, and their coach is, along with Pep Guardiola, the best in the world right now,” he said.

“This is a team composed of incredible players. It will be a difficult and great challenge but we have our style. We’ve shown the way we want to do things.”

Chelsea’s semi-final victory over Brazilian side Fluminense saw new signing Joao Pedro make a big impact, scoring twice in the 2-0 win.

However, Maresca remained tight-lipped about whether the 60-million-pound ($81.01-million) forward, acquired from Brighton amp; Hove Albion last week, would feature in the starting line-up for