Willy Caballero Reflects on Chelsea's Unwavering Ambition in Coaching Role

In an exclusive interview, Willy Caballero, the assistant coach of Chelsea Football Club, discussed his ongoing role within the organization and emphasized the unchanging ambition of the club amidst various transformations. Having transitioned from a successful playing career to coaching, Caballero expressed his commitment to maintaining Chelsea's storied legacy while adapting to the modern demands of football.

Caballero, who spent four years as a player for Chelsea and won multiple prestigious titles including the FA Cup, Europa League, and Champions League, returned to the club last summer as part of the coaching staff under head coach Enzo Maresca. "The ambition of the club has not changed. Yes, many other things have: the coaches, the players. But the ambition? No, this at Chelsea is the same," Caballero stated, showcasing his deep understanding of the club's ethos.

The former goalkeeper acknowledged the pressures that come with coaching at a top-tier club like Chelsea, where expectations are perpetually high. "Chelsea is an important club, a big, big club. You see that in America, in South America, everywhere. The supporters are across the world and their ambition is always there. So it’s on us to defend the name and the colours," he remarked.

As Chelsea prepares for their crucial match against ES Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup, Caballero highlighted the extensive preparations undertaken by Maresca and his coaching team. "No detail is left unchecked, no matter the opposition or the competition," he said. This meticulous approach reflects the club's commitment to excellence and its aim to secure a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Caballero also praised Maresca’s coaching style, emphasizing the importance of communication and rapport within the coaching staff. "He is also good at making you feel important as a coach. He gives us moments or time in the week or during a game where you speak with the players and help the players. So I believe he is a top manager," Caballero stated.

Their professional relationship, which began during their time at Malaga, has blossomed into a strong partnership at Chelsea. Caballero noted, "We only played together for one year, but I got this sensation as he had come from very good teams and had worked with very good managers. He was always talking about football... If you find a player who has this kind of interpretation of the game, I feel you are close to finding a potential coach."

The demands of modern coaching require long hours and commitment, whether during summer tournaments in the U.S. or at the club’s training base in Cobham. Caballero expressed appreciation for the challenges and the collaborative spirit within the coaching staff, underscoring Maresca’s open-office approach that fosters a culture of dialogue and continuous improvement.

Reflecting on his past as a player, Caballero indicated the significance of maintaining personal connections with the squad. He initially thought he would need to establish a distance from the players in his new role. However, he found that strong relationships developed naturally, allowing for open communication and support. "It’s important to have a strong relationship and I believe the players talk to me about how they are feeling," he explained.

As Chelsea competes in the Club World Cup, a tournament they qualified for by winning the 2021 Champions League, Caballero views it as a significant moment in his career. "The club deserves to be here and I am honoured to be part of the staff that represents this badge again," he said, reflecting on the pride associated with Chelsea's heritage.

The match against ES Tunis is scheduled for 2 a.m. UK time on Wednesday, and it will be streamed live, presenting an opportunity for fans to witness Chelsea's pursuit of glory on the international stage. As Caballero and the coaching staff continue their efforts, the ambition to uphold Chelsea's legacy remains a shared commitment among all involved.