CWC final: Reece James says “I don’t care” about PSG hype, Colwill vows Blues are “not Real Madrid”
Chelsea captain Reece James has fired a defiant warning to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final.
The defender states that the Blues are fully focused on victory despite PSG’s rampant form.
PSG have been dominant throughout the 2024/25 season, lifting every trophy available and dispatching both Inter Milan and Real Madrid with ease en route to the final.
However, James made it clear the French side’s status as favourites holds no sway within Chelsea’s camp.
“To be honest, I don’t care that everyone is bigging up our opposition. We’re preparing right and we’re going there to win,” James said during the pre-match press conference.
“PSG are amazing and we’re expecting a tough game, but we also have an amazing team and we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”
James, who has returned to full fitness and leads Chelsea into the final, also noted the importance of game planning: “I’m sure our analysts are studying where PSG have struggled. We’ll adapt.”
Meanwhile, centre-back Levi Colwill took a more provocative stance, referencing Real Madrid’s heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG in the semi-finals.
“They’re a great side, but we’re not Inter or Real Madrid. They don’t press like us. They don’t play like us. We’re going to bring something different.”
Colwill added that belief within the Chelsea squad is high: “Most people around the world expect PSG to win. But not in our camp. We’re confident, we’ve shown we belong here, and we’re going to prove it.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique acknowledged Chelsea’s strengths, describing the Premier League side as “physically strong” and “similar to us,” predicting a closely contested final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Chelsea are chasing their second piece of silverware this season, having lifted the Europa Conference League earlier.
Victory against PSG would see the Blues secure their second Club World Cup title in history.
