Enzo Maresca has unveiled the tactical blueprint that guided Chelsea to their emphatic 3–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, a triumph that stunned the reigning Champions League holders at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.

Despite entering the final as underdogs, Chelsea produced a commanding performance that overwhelmed a PSG side who had swept past Real Madrid 4–0 in the semi-finals.

The night belonged to Cole Palmer, who struck twice before turning provider for João Pedro. The Brazilian’s composed chip marked his third goal in two appearances since arriving from Brighton midway through the tournament.

But behind the attacking brilliance was a carefully devised tactical plan, which Maresca credited as key to dismantling PSG’s typically dominant structure.

Speaking after the match, the Italian tactician explained that Chelsea deliberately targeted the space behind PSG’s midfield, especially on the left-hand side of the pitch.

“They play with three midfielders. Two of them were assigned to Reece [James] and Moi [Caicedo], while Vitinha was focused on **Enzo [Fernández],” Maresca explained.

“When we analysed them, we saw a real opportunity to exploit the space on that side — and one of our goals came from there.

“It was simply part of our match plan. As we’ve said before, we try different strategies to put our players in positions to give their best. Tonight, it worked brilliantly.”

Maresca emphasised that it wasn’t just about strategy on paper — it was the execution by his players that brought the vision to life.

“We saw during analysis that there was significant space down the left, and that’s where we focused our attack.

“But to be honest, I think the game was won in the first 10 minutes — when the team came out with intent, showing we were there to win, while still respecting PSG, who are probably the best team in the world right now.

“You can give the players a plan, but it’s them who must execute it — and they did that exceptionally well.”

Meanwhile, PSG manager Luis Enrique insisted that his side were not to be labelled “losers” despite the disappointing result, instead calling them “runners-up.”

“We are not losers. A loser is someone who gives up — and there were no losers out there today,” Enrique said.

“In elite sport, outcomes like this happen. It’s football — sometimes it just can’t be explained.

“We actually started the match very well, pressing hard and causing Chelsea problems. But they took their chances when they came, and we didn’t.”

Despite the defeat, Enrique maintained a philosophical stance, insisting that PSG’s overall season remains an extraordinary success.