“We’ll see…” – Enzo Maresca defends his unpopular lineup decision for PSG game | OneFootball

Chelsea’s team for tonight’s Club World Cup final against PSG is out, and Enzo Maresca has made a decision which is unpopular with a lot of fans.

Using Reece James in midfield started as a useful way of getting him some minutes and making up for some gaps in the squad, but at this point, it’s gone far beyond that. It puts him in a position which is not his best, and puts Malo Gusto (one of the weaker players in the squad) in James’ usual spot at right back.

Meanwhile the likes of Andrey Santos and Romeo Lavia, natural central midfielders, are left on the bench. Maresca was asked about his decision pre-game, and defended it heartily:

“We are happy to have Reece in the pitch, but not only today, every time. We can use him as a midfielder and as a full-back. We’ll see during the game,” the manager said, hinting that James role could shift later on. Against perhaps the scariest midfield trio since Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, this is not the time to be experimenting.

Caicedo return and attacking options give Chelsea a chance

Moises Caicedo writhes in agony. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The good news for Chelsea’s midfield is that star man Moises Caicedo is back after a nasty ankle twist in the semi final:

“He’s very important. It’s a relief for us after the last game. We are better team with Moi. Happy to have him.”

Maresca also touched on his attacking options, with Joao Pedro leading the line and Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson benched:

“The good thing for me is that we have options [in attack], they are all good options. Liam and Nico are ready if we need them. We are ready. We are here. We are trying to win this competition.”