Japanese journalists have praised Corinthians for welcoming them ahead of the Fifa Club World Clup but also criticised Chelsea for their lack of attention to the event.
Globoesporte interviewed numerous journalists from Japan ahead of Corinthians’ opening fixture in two weeks time and found numerous complaints that Chelsea have not given them any time.
They told the publication: “We were in Brazil and did interviews with players, with Paulinho, Emerson and Danilo, they are players we like very much and would be happy to see them again in our country.
“There was excitement for the Japanese competition; however, we found no response at Chelsea.”
The journalists criticised Chelsea’ preparations for the competition: “It will be hard to go to the other side of the world with little preparation time to get used to the place and adapt. This is a big challenge.”
Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo was asked numerous questions regarding the event at today’s press conference but the Italian waved them away in favour of tonight’s Champions League clash with Juventus.
Traditionally, the Club World Cup is taken more seriously by South American clubs than their European counterparts.
