An Argentine journalist left Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca speechless in a press conference ahead of the Club World Cup semi-final clash against Brazilian side Fluminense. Fans of South American football enjoyed the humiliation, claiming the journalist gave Maresca a “reality check.”Â
Chelsea claimed a slender 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-final to proceed to the final four. Fluminense, meanwhile, beat Manchester City slayers, Al Hilal, 2-1 to book a date with the Blues in the final four.
Enzo Maresca Gets Humbled By Journalist Ahead of Chelsea vs Fluminense
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash at the MetLife Stadium, Enzo Maresca had the customary pre-match press conference. All was going swimmingly for the Italian until he inferred that Fluminense did not have to play as many matches as Chelsea, leading up to the Club World Cup.
Maresca said (as reported by Tyc Sports via ESPN on Instagram):
“We have played 63 matches, so the European teams came to this competition differently than the Brazilian or South American teams. … We arrived here after having played 60 games, and you arrived here having played?”
The journalist, unfazed by the question, bluntly pointed out that Fluminense had played more games than the Pensioners.
He replied:
“70! 70 in the same period. It’s more games.”
Maresca, who previously complained about Club World Cup attendance, simply nodded and seemed to accept defeat in the argument.
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South American Fans React After Enzo Maresca Suffers Humiliation in Press Conference
Fans of South American football thoroughly enjoyed the exchange, claiming European clubs invent excuses for their poor showings.
Instagram user @eyeyorot wrote:
“Yow bro this was peak reality check 😂😂😂🔥🔥”
@samuel_vg7 added:
“European clubs invent excuses when they are being defeated.”
According to Transfermarkt, Chelsea have a squad value of €1.27 billion (£1.09 billion), while Fluminense’s valuation sits at just €86.15 million (£74.20 million). @miguelmedeiros7 also pointed out the difference in transfer spending between the two Club World Cup semi-finalists.
“Let’s talk about the investment comparison, then? 222mi from Chelsea compared to Fluminense’s 11mi.
Play football Maresca, no talking.”
@shieldonline_ found Maresca’s reaction hilarious.
Our legend. Back in New Jersey, Monstro! pic.twitter.com/L3CsiTcTPo
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) July 6, 2025
They wrote:
“😂😂why was he nodding after he was replied?”
@fernnando.88, meanwhile, highlighted the challenging playing conditions in South America.
“Brazilians have to play in Argentina and 3 days after in the North of Brasil, it’s like playing in Siberia – Russia today and South Portugal in 3 days”
@ravemoments2 made a bold prediction for Chelsea vs Fluminense, saying Maresca and his boys would not have to worry about the final.
“Don’t worry you are going on vacation to Ibiza tomorrow 😂”
Chelsea and Fluminense have struggled to attract viewers, compelling FIFA to bring ticket prices down to £9.87. Travelling Brazilian fans, however, will be out in full force, hoping to cheer Fluminense through to the final.
The best betting sides in the UK are, of course, backing Chelsea to qualify for the final, but stranger things have happened in football.
