Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel dedicated the team’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph to owner Roman Abramovich after a 2-1 extra-time success over Palmeiras reclaimed the lone trophy that had been absent since the Russian billionaire purchased the club.
Chelsea are currently European and world champions thanks to Kai Havertz’s penalty near the end of extra time.
Since Abramovich bought the club in 2003, Chelsea has won 18 major trophies, including five Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, three League Cups, two Europa Leagues, and now the FIFA Club World Cup.
They are also in the League Cup final and the Champions League this season, while the Premier League crown is very definitely out of reach.
“It’s your club, your input, and your enthusiasm that made this possible, and we’re pleased to be a part of it,” Tuchel told reporters after the game when asked what he said to Abramovich.
Tuchel arrived in Abu Dhabi late to take over the team after missing the semi-final against Al-Hilal due to a positive COVID-19 test.
The German, who has had an incredible impact at Stamford Bridge since taking over a year ago, said it was up in the air whether he would make it to the Middle East in time.
He tested negative at the last possible moment to make it to the United Arab Emirates in time.
“We were running out of flights, with the time difference we knew the deadline was coming,”, said Tuchel.
Chelsea’s only other appearance in the competition ended in defeat against Corinthians in the 2012 final.
Source: News Channel
