Malo Gusto on the Club World Cup: 'We want to go deep in this competition'

Malo Gusto believes the FIFA Club World Cup provides an opportunity to reinforce the bond between the players in the Chelsea squad, as we bid to bring another piece of silverware back to Stamford Bridge.

After helping the Blues secure Champions League football and lift the Conference League trophy in May, the full-back linked up with France for their Nations League fixtures against Spain and Germany. As a result, no cobwebs need to be dusted off Stateside.

And Gusto's focus has now turned to our opening Club World Cup opponents, LAFC, with the 22-year-old excited to test himself against opponents from around the world..

‘As players, we are ready,’ he opened. ‘It’s going to be a good competition for the club and me as a player, so I’m happy to be able to play in this competition. I’m happy to play and we'll try to win. We trained well and we are ready for tomorrow.

‘We want to go deep in this competition. It’s like a new season for us with new players, but the same staff, and we will try to continue to build something between us as a team and create momentum. We want to reinforce the team and the group and try to win this trophy.’

The French defender also believes this summer's tournament could help us carry momentum into another competitive top-flight campaign.

He said: ‘These will be tough games, but it will be a good opportunity to win a trophy.

'We want to win more trophies because we are all competitive, so it will be really good to play in these types of games. We want to play this competition, try to win, and then be ready for the next season.’

He also pointed to LAFC forward – and fellow countryman – Olivier Giroud as a player he’s excited to come up against at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, detailing his relationship with the former Chelsea striker.

Malo explained: ‘[Giroud] is a legend for France. The first time I went into the national team, Olivier was there and he was top with me and I have a lot of respect for him. It will be good to play against [Giroud].

‘I watched him in terms of prep and the focus he has for games. I like these types of things in football, as it’s important to have these types of players who show you how to behave. It's about being determined and doing your best on the pitch.’

Gusto has also been pleased to welcome Mamadou Sarr, a player with whom he has previously shared a dressing room, to Chelsea. The French defender completed his switch from Strasbourg last Monday and has spent the past week with the Blues squad.

‘I’ve known him for a long time as I grew up in Lyon,’ Gusto added. ‘He’s younger than me, but we used to play with each other in the first team and even the second team. I’m very happy to be with him.

‘I think he’s also a top talent and a top player who everyone knows at Lyon, and soon everyone will know that too in the future.’

Chelsea's opening game against LAFC kicks off at 8pm UK time on Monday. You can watch that and every other game at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 live for free by signing up with DAZN here.

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