Chelsea's Club World Cup group: Olivier Giroud, Jorginho and flop defender await
Enzo Maresca has already guided Chelsea to the Conference League and a top-four Premier League finish. Now he looks to bring a second Club World Cup back to Stamford Bridge after Thomas Tuchel landed the trophy in Abu Dhabi not long before the Roman reign was brought to a halt.
And with new man Liam Delap among several new faces in the squad, there are high hopes of a deep run in the tournament.
But first Chelsea must find a way past a series of former players with Olivier Giroud set to lead the line for last-minute qualifiers Los Angeles FC and Flamengo, who are managed by former full back Filipe Luis, recently signing Jorginho from Arsenal. ES Tunis, their final opponents, look to be one of the competition's weakest sides.
Here is your guide to the group opponents as the Club World Cup gets underway.
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Los Angeles FC
How did they qualify?
An 11th hour replacement after Club Leon were booted out. The MLS side beat Club America 2-1 after extra time in a play-off.
Who is the head coach?
Steve Cherundolo - Spent 15 years playing right back for Hannover in the Bundesliga and has said he will be stepping down at the end of the American season.
Player to watch?
Beyond former striker Olivier Giroud and Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris, keep an eye on Venezuela forward David Martinez. The 19-year-old is turning heads and expected to make the switch to Europe soon.
Flamengo
How did they qualify?
Current Brazilian leaders won the 2022 Copa Libertadores
Who is the head coach?
Filipe Luis - Former Chelsea defender may have flopped at Stamford Bridge but he is so far working wonders in first managerial role..
Player to watch?
Another ex-Blue Jorginho has just joined from but talent spotters will be closely watching right back Wesley. He has recently broken into the senior Brazil squad and scouts have already been taking a close look.
How did they qualify?
Fresh off a domestic treble, they are ranked the best African team not to have won continental honours in the past four years.
Who is the head coach?
Maher Kanzari - Journeyman is in his third spell in charge of the club. He returned in March with the side neck-and-neck in a title race, taking 13 points from remaining 15 to retain the trophy.
Player to watch?
Much rests on veteran Algeria winger Youcef Belaïli, who notched 18 goals and 16 assists this season.