Enzo Maresca: Palmeiras prodigy won’t distract Chelsea

Enzo Maresca has made it clear that neither he nor his Chelsea squad are losing sleep over meeting Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Enzo Maresca keeps the spotlight on Chelsea

The Italian coach, who has guided the Blues to the brink of December’s global showpiece, dismissed suggestions that facing their £56 million summer signing-in-waiting will change preparations. “We don’t care who is on the other side,” Maresca said. “Our only concern is winning the trophy.” His words echo a dressing-room mood that places collective goals above headlines.

Estevao Willian’s price tag won’t change the game plan

Chelsea secured an agreement for the 17-year-old Brazilian sensation earlier this year, but he remains a Palmeiras player until 2025. While supporters are eager to see the winger in blue, Maresca insists that romance cannot replace realism. “Estevao is talented, but so are many opponents we face weekly,” he noted. “We respect Palmeiras as a whole, not just one player.”

Palmeiras plotting an upset

The Copa Libertadores champions recognise the narrative value of fielding a future Chelsea star against his next club. Manager Abel Ferreira hopes Estevao’s creativity can unlock the Premier League side and hand Brazil another Club World Cup crown.

Trophy first, scouting second

Chelsea’s recruitment team will doubtless watch Estevao closely, yet Maresca’s priority is adding a second Club World Cup title to the Stamford Bridge cabinet. Victory would provide momentum heading into the demanding festive schedule back home.

Opinion: Maresca’s no-nonsense stance is refreshing. Admiring young talent is fine, but trophies are won by focus, not fanfare—a lesson that should serve Chelsea well in Saudi Arabia.