Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, sparked controversy during a press conference on July 7 by comparing the number of matches played by his team to those of Fluminense. He used this statistic to justify the fatigue experienced by European teams participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
During the discussion, a journalist revealed that Fluminense had actually played more matches than Chelsea, which surprised Maresca. The comparison was based on the timeframe from the second half of 2024 up to the current date, coinciding with the European football season. Within this period, Fluminense emerged as the semifinalist with the highest number of matches played.
The current rankings showcase the following:
1. Fluminense – 72 matches played
2. Real Madrid – 67 matches played
3. PSG – 63 matches played
4. Chelsea – 62 matches played
This assessment remains valid even if the timeframe is adjusted to only cover the year 2025. In such a case, Fluminense still holds the lead with 41 matches, matching Real Madrid. Meanwhile, PSG and Chelsea follow closely with 40 and 33 matches, respectively.
This comparison highlights the rigorous schedule that teams outside of Europe, like Fluminense, endure, potentially affecting their performance in international tournaments. Such statistics emphasize the need for all football teams to manage player fatigue and injury risks effectively, especially as they strive for success on multiple fronts.