Chelsea are dealing with a logistical setback at the Club World Cup after an unexpected second-place finish in their group, falling short of their initial expectations.
The issue arose from an unexpected need to travel to Charlotte for their last-16 clash, rather than staying in Miami as originally expected for the knockout stage.
A club source reveals that all travel, accommodation, and training arrangements were based on the assumption that Chelsea would top Group D and remain in Miami.
However, a 3-1 defeat by Brazil’s Flamengo, followed by a 3-0 win over Esperance Tunis in Philadelphia, left them second in the group.
Chelsea are now set to face Benfica on Saturday at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, throwing off their previously planned logistics.
The unexpected detour has triggered last-minute adjustments, with the club intending to return to Miami after the match — adding further travel to an already packed schedule.
If Enzo Maresca’s men advance to the quarter-finals, they will travel to Philadelphia to face the winner of the all-Brazilian clash between Palmeiras and Botafogo.
