“The only reason” – ESPN pundit gives outrageous reason why Chelsea won the Club World Cup | OneFootball

Former Liverpool star and ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has given a bizarre reason as to why he thinks Chelsea won the Club World Cup.

The Blues were crowned World Champions after they brushed aside Paris Saint Germain 3-0 in New York on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea were at it from minute one and dominated proceedings with Cole Palmer scoring twice and Joao Pedro adding a third.

Steve Nicol explains why Chelsea won Club World Cup

Not many expected to Chelsea to make the final, and even fewer gave them any chance of overcoming PSG, who have been the outstanding team in Europe.

The Blues grew in confidence throughout the tournament, and saved their best performance for the final, which was arguably their best since Enzo Maresca took over.

Maresca guided Chelsea to the Club World Cup title. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Players have spoken on how the criticism and people writing Chelsea off gave them extra motivation, and Mareca’s men have been widely praised for their success.

However, Nicol wasn’t in the mood for offering his congratulations and gave a bizarre reason as to why the Blues won.

“The only reason Chelsea won [Club World Cup], by the way, is because of the field,” he told ESPN.

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“They keep banging those balls, knowing that the ball would stay in bounds and wouldn’t go outside. I mean, I just couldn’t take it seriously enough.”

The pitches in America did come under criticism from players during the tournament, but this very much sounds like sour grapes from Nicol.

Maresca not under immediate pressure to win the Premier League

Chelsea had a successful first season under Maresca as they returned to the Champions League and won two trophies.

The pressure will now be on to improve next season and make more progress, although it’s been reported the Italian isn’t under immediate pressure to win the league.

Reportedly the expectation for next season is Champions League qualification through the league, and to go as far as possible in every cup competition.