Pedro Neto insisted that Chelsea would rather play in the club World Cup than lying on the beach.
After the 3-1 defeat of Chelsea against Flamengo, Neto spoke in their second game of the renewed tournament that took place in the United States.
The Portugal International recorded its second goal of the competition in the 13th minute at Lincoln Financial Field to advance the blues on Friday.
But two goals in three minutes from Bruno Henrique and Danilo played the game upside down, with Chelsea replacement Nicolas Jackson then sent in the 68th minute.
Wallace Yan concluded the score seven minutes in time, which means that Chelsea should beat the Tunisian side Esperance Sportive De Tunis on Tuesday to reach the last 16.
The victory of Flamengo saw that they became the second South American team that defeated a European side with several goals at the club World Cup after Vasco da Gama in 2000.
Neto admitted that Flamengo had more desire than Chelsea, but when he was asked if he would rather be at the club World Cup of Rusting, he replied: “[Yes]100% sure.
“We have to be grateful. We play this tournament here. There would be many players who would like to be in my place and in the other place. We have to enjoy it.”
Chelsea looked on course to build on their victory in their opening match of the tournament against Los Angeles FC after a strong start in the first half.
They registered an expected goals (XG) in total 0.65 to flamengos 0.2, although their opponents had more shots on goal than the team of Enzo Maresca (four to three).
But the Brazilian outfit dominated after the break and, helped by the resignation of Jackson, had an XG count of 2.41 to Chelsea's 0.46 in the second half.
“What went wrong was the second half. To be honest, in the first half they might have more control over the ball, but we could create the chances more than they,” Neto said.
“And when we went to the second half, we tried to press a little higher.
“We started well in the second half, but what made the difference was a bit the wish and they had more desire than we won the game.”