Two months ahead of a potential clash at the FIFA Club World Cup, O Estado de São Paulo reports that Chelsea have started their preparations for a possible encounter with Brazilian giants Corinthians.
The newspaper quotes the Blues’ youth coach, Andy Ottley, who says that an analysis team are observing the Paulista side in action and compiling videos and notes for manager Roberto Di Matteo.
Ottley is currently in Brazil to run a clinic for children, sponsored by Samsung, and insisted that Chelsea would take the competition in Japan seriously – despite its lower status to European sides.
The West London club are the current Champions League and FA Cup holders and could feature Brazilians Ramires, David Luiz, Oscar and Lucas Piazon in their squad for the event.
The last English side to participate were Manchester United who beat LDU Quito to claim the title in December 2008, following the Ecuadorian’s shock Libertadores win.
