Fluminense out 'to make history' against Chelsea, says manager

Fluminense manager Renato Gaucho said his team had come to the United States to "make history" as it prepared to face Chelsea in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Renato acknowledged the financial disparity between Fluminense and its European rivals but said that belief, focus and discipline had brought his side this far.

"Fluminense being the ugly duckling has made it this far despite the financial disadvantages, but that doesn't mean Fluminense can't reach the final and win the Club World Cup," he said.

Niklas Suele (down) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Kevin Serna of Fluminense FC the Group F match between Fluminense FC of Brazil and Borussia Dortmund of Germany at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in New Jersey, the United States, June 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

According to Renato, the Rio de Janeiro outfit has less than 10% of the financial capacity of clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.

"These big clubs have all the conditions to sign the best players," he said. "But we've made it here with a lot of hard work, humility and above all, by believing in ourselves."

Fluminense reached the last four by finishing second in Group F before beating Inter Milan and Al Hilal in the first two knockout rounds.

Chelsea, meanwhile, overcame Benfica and Palmeiras in its last two games after finishing second in Group D.

Renato praised the speed and technical quality of Chelsea's forwards but said his team would not change its winning formula.

"Without a doubt they have a very powerful attack," he said. "Two very fast wingers in one-on-one situations, which I like a lot, and Joao Pedro is a great striker. Their midfield has players who think the game very well.

"We always try to limit the impact of our opponent when it has possession, but when we have the ball, we're going to play. It's what we've been doing all tournament."

Renato declined to confirm his starting lineup or formation but said his tactical flexibility had been key.

"In this Club World Cup I changed the formation twice and it worked," he said. "We're getting results because of our hard work."

The winner of the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in the final on Sunday. Renato insisted his team would not be content with a semifinal exit.

"Have we made history so far? Yes. Are we happy? Yes. But we want more. Our goal is to reach the final," he added.