Palmeiras and Chelsea face each other this Friday (4/7), in Philadelphia, in the fight for a place in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup
On the eve of the highly anticipated clash between Palmeiras 和 Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup, two of the Blues’ starting players drew attention when they issued a warning to young Estêvão, a promising Palmeiras player who has already negotiated with the English club.
Full-backs Marc Cucurella and Reece James were emphatic: the youngster’s talent is recognized, but on the pitch at Lincoln Financial Field this Friday (July 4), there will be no concessions. “I hope he has a difficult day on the field,” said Cucurella, emphasizing that, although the youngster has a guaranteed future in London, the priority now is to eliminate Verdão.
Therefore, the promise to neutralize the striker symbolizes Chelsea’s competitive spirit. It is worth noting that Chelsea did not have an easy time against Brazilian football in the group stage. The London team was defeated 3-1 by Flamengo, in a comeback that set off alarm bells.
Therefore, the Blues are more alert to the duel with Palmeiras. “They are very strong and aggressive,” highlighted Reece James. “We know it will be a very difficult match and we will give everything to get through,” added Cucurella. This is because, for them, the game against Flamengo served as a strategic and psychological learning experience.
Warning to Estêvão
Despite praising Estêvão’s attitude, Reece James was direct: “On the pitch tomorrow, there is no friendship. It’s us against them.” In addition, the defender highlighted the maturity of the young Brazilian, who, despite having already been traded, continues to give everything for Palmeiras. In this way, Chelsea recognizes his talent, but does not intend to ease up. With that, the match promises to be intense, technical and emotional. Whoever wins will face Fluminense or Al-Hilal in the semifinals.
