Cesar Azpilicueta will impress on Chelsea’s youngsters that they cannot afford to miss this opportunity to win the World Club Cup here in Abu Dhabi after he lost the 2012 final and then had to wait ten years to have another chance.
The Chelsea captain came off the bench the last and only time Chelsea competed to be world champions but couldn’t prevent them suffering a 1-0 defeat to Brazilian club Corinthians in Toyko ten years ago.
Now he leads the team against Al-Hilal, the Asian Champions League winners from Saudi Arabia, in Wednesday’s semi-final, with the winner likely to take on Palmeiras in the final.
And Azpilcueta said: ’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.
'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 ae 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.’
Equally, this group of players have the chance to go one step beyond the legendary Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry generation and win the World Cup for the club for the first time.
‘This the only competition the club didn’t win,’ said Azpilicueta. ‘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.'