Has run to Club World Cup final been worth it for Chelsea?

Chelsea will receive over 10% of the $1 billion Club World Cup prize fund regardless of the final result against Paris St-Germain, a significant financial boost after their summer spending.

The tournament offers more than just money for manager Enzo Maresca's team. It represents a chance to win a second trophy following their June Conference League victory, potentially silencing critics of the club's strategy of signing young players on long contracts. It also provides an opportunity to claim the title of world champions until the next tournament in 2029.

Reaching the final involved significant effort amidst challenges. Chelsea had a shorter pre-season before the Premier League begins on August 16th and had to contend with potential injuries. Their non-international players had a 10-day break after the Conference League final, while others joined the squad just a week after international duty.

Extensive travel across the United States was required: training at Cobham, a match in Atlanta, basing in Philadelphia for the group stage, moving to Miami, and finally settling in New York for the semi-final and final. The intense heat encountered everywhere impacted their training capabilities.

Managing player happiness presented another challenge. Manager Maresca afforded players significant freedom to enjoy downtime in US cities while demanding professionalism. Crucially, players were allowed to meet friends and family, especially from the knockout stages, which helped maintain morale. The club also brought in Football Association staff to organize the camps, including arranging entertainment and accommodation for players' families.