ES Tunis has been drawn into a tough group for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, facing the likes of Chelsea, Flamengo, and León in Group D. Former coach Maïn Chaâbani shared his thoughts on the draw, describing the group as “complicated,” but not impossible to navigate.
Chaâbani, who previously managed ES Tunis and is now with RS Berkane, acknowledged the strength of their opponents, particularly Chelsea, calling them “a big European team.”
However, he emphasized that the challenge would also depend on the form of the other clubs at the time of the tournament.
“There are also two clubs from the Americas, and everything will depend on their form at the start of the tournament,” Chaâbani told Fennecs Football.
As a former coach who has experienced the rigors of the competition, Chaâbani offered advice to his former club.
He stressed the importance of a strong start, especially in their opening match against Flamengo.
“Esperance must absolutely avoid losing to Flamengo in the first match, because the second match will be against León,” he said. Reflecting on his own time in the tournament, Chaâbani recalled their 2018 participation when ES Tunis faced Monterrey from Mexico.
The Tunisian side secured a win on penalties for fifth place, and Chaâbani noted that “Mexican clubs are always to be taken very seriously.”
Chaâbani believes that securing a win against Flamengo in the opening match would be a crucial step towards advancing to the knockout stages.
With strong performances in the initial games, ES Tunis could be in a good position to challenge for a spot in the next round.
The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup promises to be a high-stakes tournament for the teams involved, and ES Tunis, despite the tough draw, will look to build on its past successes in international competition.
