Beach Vibes and Uno Games: How Miami Lifted Chelsea’s Spirits During Club World Cup
Beach, Uno and a Mental Reset: How Miami Lifted Chelsea’s Mood During Club World Cup
Chelsea have swapped city blocks for palm trees, trading Philadelphia’s heatwave-laden streets for Miami’s breezy coastline—and the mood within the squad has noticeably lifted.Ahead of their Club World Cup quarter-final, the Blues shifted base from their five-star Philadelphia hotel to a private beach resort in Miami, prioritizing player comfort, morale and some much-needed breathing room. While their Philly setup was top-tier in terms of luxury and logistics, the punishing heat—and its effect on mobility and morale—led to an unexpected sense of cabin fever.
Reset by the Coast
“Being in Miami is obviously amazing with the beach right there,” said defender Levi Colwill. “It’s nice just to walk, clear your head a bit… You’ve got the pool, you’ve got the beach, you’ve got a lot of things to keep you busy while you’re not playing football.”The coastal air and casual outings—walks, coffee runs, and even some shopping—have offered players a reset. The squad is also enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere, including a team barbecue and game nights.
Games, Uno, and Team Bonding
The players' lounge—already a hit in Philadelphia—has become a central hub for team bonding. With retro video games, table tennis, PlayStation tournaments, and the ever-popular Uno, downtime has never been so competitive.“We did a [ping pong] tournament and Trev [Chalobah] was quite good,” said young defender Josh Acheampong. “Enzo Fernandez and Tyrique George are actually also quite good.”
New signing Dario Essugo added: “We play PlayStation, make some things, play Uno, to make the time pass quicker. The teammates are very good guys and I’m happy to be here.”
Family Support and Strategic Rest
Another boost to morale? Friends and family members have been flown in and hosted by the club, particularly for the knockout rounds. Their presence has added an emotional lift and a sense of home during the high-stakes tournament stretch.After beating Benfica, Chelsea were given two full days of rest before resuming training at Barry University, with shorter morning sessions to combat the Miami heat.
The Travel Trade-Off
There’s a downside, though. Miami’s glamor doesn’t eliminate logistical hurdles. The squad had to fly north to Charlotte, North Carolina, to play Benfica and will head back to Philadelphia to face Palmeiras in the quarter-final. If they win, a new training base will be set near New York, where both the semi-final and final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.Still, the move to Miami has served its purpose: giving Chelsea a physical and psychological edge as they aim for their 62nd win of the season.
