Chelsea coach Low: Don't blame us for CWC format | OneFootball

Chelsea coach Zsolt Low insists the Club World Cup tournament has been difficult for them.

Al Hilal coach Leonardo Jardim has insisted the format favours the European team, with Chelsea defeating the Saudis in the semifinal.

Ahead of tomorrow's final against Palmeiras, Low said: "We are not in charge of the tournament. We've followed the tournament rules. We are here to play and our preparation wasn't easy. We played 120 minutes [against Plymouth] and had a long trip with a big time difference. In the first few days we fought hard to find a good rhythm and find energy for the players again.

"Then we play Al Hilal, it was very difficult to beat them, then two days to prepare for the final. It's not an exclusive situation. We have the rhythm. We prepare as best as possible. We don't try to find excuses but don't see big advantage right now.

“We know a lot about Palmeiras. We've watched a lot of their games. We know they win the last two times the Copa Libertadores. We expect a very difficult game, a good opponent. Thiago [Silva] and Kenedy talk about how good the fans are.

"We expect a lot of them there tomorrow. It can be like an away game for us but we're well prepared. We know the opponent. They are strong but we are also strong."