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WEDNESDAY | JULY 16, 2025

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Blues revival Skipper James delighted as Chelsea make ‘big statement’ with Club World Cup win

Chelsea’s Reece James (centre) lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning

Ű BY ANDY HAMPSON

R EECE JAMES felt Chelsea made “a big statement” to their rivals by producing a major upset to beat Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final. Cole Palmer scored two brilliant goals and created a third for Joao Pedro – all in the first half – as the Blues shocked the Champions League winners, who were seeking a fifth trophy of the season, to win 3-0. After a turbulent few years at Stamford Bridge following the takeover of 2022, it provided further evidence of a Blues revival after the Conference League triumph in May. “I think for sure we are moving in the right direction, winning this trophy against such good opposition,” said Chelsea captain James. “So it’s a big statement. “I’m happy with how much the club has progressed and how next season you know we’ll be competing in the Premier League, to win the title and compete and to go far in the Champions League as well. “I think this showed how far our club has come. We’ve had a difficult

the Club World Cup on Monday. – REUTERSPIC

“If other people don’t believe that then hopefully we have changed their minds now. “This performance was amazing and we should get the credit we deserve. “It was a statement victory and in the future, if we keep winning trophies then everyone will give us the love that we deserve.” Colwill is convinced the confidence Chelsea will gain from beating such an outstanding side will see them emerge as strong contenders next season. The 22-year-old said: “I said at the start of this tournament that our plan was to win it and people looked at me as if I was crazy! “So I’m going to say the exact same thing now going into the Premier League and Champions League. I think we’re ready and we’ll see next season.” – The Independent

“It’s amazing for me,” said the 25 year-old, who has overcome a series of injury setbacks. “Since I was a little boy I supported this team. “I just wanted to play for this club. Just once would have been enough for me, so to captain the team and to lead them to two trophies this season, it’s been a dream for me. “We beat the champions of Europe. For sure it gives us confidence and I am looking forward to the future.” Levi Colwill insists Monday’s win was no fluke and the Premier League and Champions League are now in their sights. “Everyone was rooting for PSG or saying they were going to beat us but it’s not an upset because we know how good we are,” defender Colwill said.

before halftime. There was no way back for the Ligue 1 champions, whose frustration was compounded late on as Joao Neves was sent off for a petulant tug on Marc Cucurella’s hair. Tempers boiled over as scuffles broke out after the final whistle and one involving PSG coach Luis Enrique ended with Pedro on the ground. There was a further surreal postscript as United States President Donald Trump, there to present the winners with the trophy, decided to stay on stage to join Chelsea’s celebrations. Yet while that made for a peculiar ending to the tournament, James’ main thoughts were on his achievement and what could come next.

few years, not competing in the Champions League. “This was the best team we faced and we knew it was going to be tough but the team was ready, and I think we showed that.” Chelsea had been written off in many quarters before the game with PSG, who famously thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final in May, having routed Real Madrid 4-0 just four days previously. Yet their victory was thoroughly deserved and Palmer had already gone close to scoring before taking charge of the game with his quickfire double of goals scored in the 22nd and 30th minutes. He then set up Pedro, the £60 million (RM348m) signing who only joined the club mid-tournament, for his third goal in the last two games

Healy climbs to the top

Rory in a good spot

Swiatek’s back, Draper needs time

- Story on page 27

- Story on page 28

- Story on page 30

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