Enzo Maresca has insisted Chelsea's aim will always be to win games ahead of the Club World Cup this summer.
The Blues are one of 32 teams competing in the new-look tournament, with the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich all making the trip to the United States. While the Club World Cup officially kicks off on June 14, Chelsea will play their first match against Los Angeles FC on June 16.
Games against Flamengo and Es Tunis will follow as the west Londoners look to get out of Group D and secure their place in the latter stages of the competition. The winners of the Club World Cup will receive up to £97million ($125million) so it means it is an extremely lucrative tournament.
With Chelsea's new signing Liam Delap expected to play with his new teammates in the US, Maresca has spoken ahead of making the trip across the pond. Speaking to DAZN, the Italian praised America's fans, revealed his ambition to win and heaped praise on Cole Palmer.
“Well I’m happy, especially because as you’ve just said it’s a tournament that brings together the top 32 teams in the world," Maresca said. "So, it’s very exciting to take part in such a huge competition. And you also have the opportunity to face other top coaches and some world class teams.
“We were there – in North America – last summer, and it was great. There were so many fans there and it will be another opportunity for them to come and watch us and for us to meet them. So, there’s no doubt it will be a great occasion.
“The fans in America were spectacular from the very beginning. As far as culture is concerned, Brazilian fans usually create a great atmosphere, it’s part of their culture. They are usually happy and incredibly entertaining. So with their football culture coming together with ours hopefully we’ll be able to ensure that the people who come to watch the game at the stadium have a great time.
“When you are at Chelsea your goal is always to win. So, our goal – each and every single game – will always be to try to win.
“I’ve said it more than once: Cole Palmer is up there with the very best top players who can produce something at any moment, create something out of nothing. He wasn’t with me on the USA tour last summer, so it will also be a chance for him to experience the environment there and to introduce himself to North America.
“Football, in general, in every competition, unites people and in this competition, considering that there are so many cultures involved, it will also unite many cultures. Football unites people in terms of both emotions and circumstances.”
Enzo Maresca, Vincent Kompany, Luis Enrique, Pep Guardiola and Paul Posa were speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch all 63 games live on DAZNfor free.