Cesar Azpilicueta has warned his Chelsea team-mates they can’t afford to let the rare opportunity of winning the Club World Cup pass them by.
The Chelsea captain was part of the side when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazilian club Corinthians in Toyko ten years ago in their last Club World Cup appearance.
Azpilicueta now finds himself leading the Blues into Wednesday’s semi-final against Al-Hilal, the Asian Champions League winners from Saudi Arabia, and he is keen to make amends for missing the chance to add to the club’s trophy cabinet in 2012.
’It’s very difficult to get to this tournament and after 10 years you realise how difficult it is. We lost final then against Corinthians and, I don’t know, maybe I had a different feeling then,’ he said.
‘It was my first season, we were in every competition, maybe it looks easier than it is. And then with time you realise how difficult it is, first of all just qualifying. So we have to make the most of it, starting with Wednesday’s game against Al-Hilal. Hopefully that bad experience will help.
‘When we are young we think we might have more opportunities. And with time you see how difficult it is not only to win trophies but also to get into finals. Sometimes you can win or lose but these kinds of tournaments are not the normal kind of cup you play every day.
‘Everyone is aware how difficult it is and that we cannot miss our chance. We’re really motivated. Losing in 2012 hurt a lot.’
Azpilicueta says there is added motivation to win a trophy the Blues have never won before.
‘This the only competition the club didn’t win,’ Azpilicueta added. ‘To win it for first time for the club is huge. It has great meaning for everyone, for than fans. I think everyone tries to create their own history at the club.
‘Through the years we have seen many world class players who have tried to help to increase the trophy cabinet of this club and when the time arrives, we want to make the most of it.
‘And now it is true we have our own opportunity to create history in the club, to win a trophy that no one has won it at Chelsea and hopefully we are the one who can do it.’
Should Chelsea beat Al-Hilal they will likely meet Palmeiras in the final in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
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