Chelsea legend suggests Enzo Maresca could take specific approach to Club World Cup campaign

Chelsea legend Frank Sinclair has told Sports Mole that Enzo Maresca could rely on squad rotation at the upcoming Club World Cup.

The Blues have just concluded a mammoth 57-game campaign where they have finished in fourth position in the Premier League and won the Conference League.

With Champions League qualification having been secured for 2025-26, Chelsea will receive a major boost to their revenue streams, subsequently aiding their efforts to comply with the relevant financial regulations.

FIFA have expanded the Club World Cup, which starts on June 14, so that it features 32 teams with a prize money pool of £777m.

However, participating clubs, specifically the European-based teams, may have to weigh up the pros and cons of pushing their players after a long season.

Sinclair reveals his preferred CWC approach

With clubs able to name a maximum of 35 players in their squads, there will be leeway to keep certain players fresh should they choose to do so.

Sinclair, a former defender who won three pieces of silverware across eight years at Chelsea, feels that Enzo Maresca will take the opportunity to make the most of his squad during the group stages, the assumption being that Chelsea would still progress from their group.

In association with William Hill, the former Jamaica international said: "I think this is where the squad is used in its entirety. The youngsters will have a chance to play in this and prove they can be part of the 1st team on a longer-term basis. 

"So it’s great for them and the Manager to see how they get on. The main bulk of the first team can now go on a break and be ready for the back end of this tournament. With such a big prize for winning the trophy, you have to take this very seriously."

Why Sinclair's approach would make sense

Chelsea have been placed in a group where they will play Los Angeles FC, Flamengo and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

All things considered, it is a favourable draw, and Maresca may choose to name a weakened team for the first fixture with LAFC on June 16.

A wide array of his squad are currently away on international duty with their respective nations and could play twice before making their way to the United States.

Furthermore, the Conference League final came three days after the end of the Premier League campaign, reducing the amount of time off that players had before linking up with their countries.

That said, much may depend on the stance taken by the club's owners. Chelsea receive approximately £1.5m for every group-stage win and would receive approximately £5.5m for reaching the last 16.

Written by
Darren Plant