Millions may rule football, but strategy still wins | OneFootball

Money talks in modern football - that’s no secret. Clubs like Chelsea and PSG sit firmly at the top of the financial food chain, but as the last few years have proven, throwing cash at a problem doesn’t always bring silverware.

Despite their deep pockets, both clubs have had to go back to the drawing board in recent seasons. Now, with both sides set to clash in the Club World Cup final, there’s a sense that their rebuilds are finally bearing fruit.

PSG: the relentless chase for European glory

Back in 2011, PSG underwent a seismic shift when Nasser Al-Khelaïfi took over as president, backed by the might of Qatar Sports Investments. At that point, the Parisian club had 12 Ligue 1 titles to its name - fast-forward to today and they’ve added another 13, plus a string of domestic cups. Still, their obsession with conquering Europe remained unfulfilled.

In pursuit of the elusive Champions League trophy, PSG splashed out in spectacular fashion. Neymar arrived from Barcelona in 2017 for a record-breaking €222 million, and a year later, they secured Kylian Mbappé from Monaco for €180 million.

Other big-money signings followed: Hakimi, Di María, Gonçalo Ramos, and Randal Kolo Muani - all brought in to build a team capable of ruling the continent. But year after year, PSG came up short.

Their closest call came during the Covid-affected 2019/20 season, where they reached the final but lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich, thanks to a Kingsley Coman goal - a former PSG player, just to twist the knife.

Enter Luis Enrique: A new era

Change finally came in 2023, when Luis Enrique took over from Christophe Galtier. The Spanish coach was tasked with bringing a more balanced, cohesive approach to a club long defined by individual stars.

Even after Kylian Mbappé’s high-profile exit to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, PSG didn’t crumble. Instead, they regrouped. New faces like João Neves, Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué were brought in to fit the team-first philosophy.

After a rocky group stage in the Champions League, PSG roared through the knockout rounds - brushing aside Brest, surviving a dramatic penalty shootout against Liverpool, and powering past Aston Villa and Arsenal to book a spot in the final.

In that final, played at the Allianz Arena, they dominated Inter Milan from the first whistle. Goals from Hakimi, Doué (twice), Kvaratskhelia, and Mayulu secured a 5-0 thrashing and PSG’s long-awaited European crown. The quadruple was theirs and they weren’t finished yet.

Chelsea: The Boehly revolution

Over in West London, Chelsea were undergoing their own upheaval. Roman Abramovich’s reign ended abruptly in 2022 amid sanctions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In stepped Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, taking over a club already in flux.

What followed was a radical reset. Around 20 players were offloaded, while the club spent over €280 million on fresh, young talent - including Wesley Fofana and Carney Chukwuemeka. But the plan to inject youth and potential didn’t deliver instant results.

Neither Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, nor Frank Lampard managed to steady the ship. Chelsea slumped to a 12th-place finish in the Premier League in 2022/23 - their worst in years - and crashed out early in other competitions.

Maresca’s new Blueprint: structure and simplicity

The tide began to turn in June 2024, when Enzo Maresca was appointed as head coach, replacing Mauricio Pochettino. Fresh from his success with Leicester, Maresca introduced clarity and structure - trimming the squad and focusing on a more balanced approach.

Slowly but surely, things began to click. Big-money signings like Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, who had struggled to impress, started showing their true worth.

But the real breakout star was Cole Palmer. Signed from Manchester City, the young attacker lit up the 2024/25 campaign with 25 goals and 15 assists - instantly becoming a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea finished the Premier League season in 5th place with 69 points, marking a major step forward. But the real highlight came in Europe.

Conference League glory: a new start

Chelsea’s European journey saw them reach the final of the UEFA Conference League, dispatching FC Copenhagen, Legia Warsaw, and Djurgarden along the way.

In the final against Real Betis, the Blues went behind early to a goal from Abde Ezzalzouli, but they responded brilliantly. Goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moisés Caicedo turned the game on its head, and Chelsea lifted the trophy in Poland.

It was a much-needed piece of silverware, signalling a shift in mindset: fewer impulsive signings, more focus on building a team and not just a squad of expensive individuals.

Club World Cup Final: another title within reach

With European glory now under their belts, both PSG and Chelsea turn their attention to the Club World Cup. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium this Sunday - a fitting stage for two teams who’ve redefined themselves over the past year.

PSG topped their group with ease, brushing past Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid in the knockout rounds. Chelsea, meanwhile, recovered from a group-stage slip-up against Flamengo and went on to beat Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense in convincing fashion.

Whatever the result in New York, both clubs have proven a vital point this season: success isn’t just about spending big - it’s about smart planning, a clear identity, and trusting in the project.

The final awaits. One more chapter to write.