As Chelsea's players walked purposefully onto the pitch at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium this evening, the sun setting over the steep west stand and a surprisingly cool wind gusting around them, any suggestion from back home that this step into the relative unknown was somehow not of utmost importance seemed way off the mark.
Not with the words of Cesar Azpilicueta, who tasted defeat in Chelsea’s only other appearance at the Club World Cup, ringing in their ears. “Losing that one in 2012 hurt a lot and this is the only competition the club hasn't won,” the captain said a few minutes before training. “To win it for the first time for the club is huge.
"When we're young, we think we have more opportunities but with time you see how difficult it is not only to win trophies but to get into finals. Sometimes you can win, sometimes you can lose, but this kind of tournament is not like a normal cup you play every year. Every competition we enter we want to win and this is a rare one we've not played for ten years. Everyone is aware how difficult it is and that we can't miss the chance."
Nor with Thiago Silva, more than aware of how much this tournament means in South America, providing guidance to the younger members of the squad and the Brazilian influence of Jorginho added into the mix.
As their hour-long session came to a close, about two miles north west there were thousands of Palmeiras fans descending on the Al Nahyan stadium for their semi-final against Al Ahly. The Copa Libertadores champions had departed Sao Paulo with a pack of supporters putting on a show at the airport and a quick scoot around Abu Dhabi made it clear that those fans have travelled in their droves. They will have no doubt helped when booking their place in Saturday evening's final.
Few Stamford Bridge regulars have made the long journey but that should not be taken as a sign that they are less interested in success. “It has great meaning for everybody, the fans, and we are representing Europe,” Azpilicueta added, though it seemed there was no need for him to drive the point home any further.
Everyone trained, bar Edouard Mendy, and the only questions around tomorrow’s starting XI is whether Kepa Arrizabalaga keeps his place in goal and Mason Mount is fit enough to start in midfield having picked up a knock against Plymouth. Mendy is arriving by plane later tonight after being given a brief time to celebrate last Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations win and will speak with the coaching staff about his readiness after a hectic turnaround.
Al Hilal should be a level below Chelsea and yet Leonardo Jardim, their head coach formerly of Monaco, got some decent mind games going when he volunteered a warning to FIFA over perceived favouritism of European teams. That was easy to deconstruct once Chelsea’s own schedule and 120 minutes against Plymouth on Saturday was taken into consideration.
But the Saudi Arabian champions have some decent players too. Odion Ighalo may be the most recognisable name, yet Matheus Pereira will be of some concern considering how he dismantled Chelsea in West Bromwich Albion’s 5-2 win at Stamford Bridge last season.
Chelsea still hope that Thomas Tuchel can join the squad for Saturday's final or third place play off. The earliest the head coach can travel will be Friday and he will require two negative tests for that to happen.
He has been in constant contact with the coaching staff and is likely to address the players via video call before they depart their hotel tomorrow. Assistant Zslot Low said it may be more difficult for him to give a team talk because of the dressing room’s layout but Tuchel’s presence is still being felt and come kick off tomorrow the head coach’s imprint will be obvious.
Petr Cech, another familiar with how much letting this opportunity slip can hurt, has stepped up to offer additional support in Tuchel’s absence. While Low did not go into detail in terms of how, Cech could be seen addressing the squad in a big circle before training began.
"He has a very good feel and when we need him he steps up," Low said. "He doesn't want to disturb and be part of every meeting but he is giving us some support. We’re happy to have him alongside us."
Aside from training the players and staff are under strict instructions to remain at their hotel campus to minimise the Covid-19 risk. The hotel has a high-standard training facility, a private beach and impressive views of the city’s Grand Mosque. But venturing out and about will not be in the itinerary with the risk of 10 days hotel quarantine simply too great.
