Club World Cup: Tite names team for Chelsea clash

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP) –

Brazil’s Corinthians head football coach Tite answers questions during a press conference before their practice session in Yokohama on December 15, 2012. Tite brought his unusual style to the Club World Cup in Japan on Saturday by revealing his team a day ahead of the Brazilian giants’ final clash with European champions Chelsea.

Corinthians boss Tite brought his unusual style to the Club World Cup in Japan on Saturday by revealing his team a day ahead of the Brazilian giants’ final clash with European champions Chelsea.

The boss of the Copa Libertadores winners said he would be making one change to the side that struggled to a 1-0 semi-final win over Egypt’s Al Ahly, but refuted suggestions that naming the lineup gave an advantage to his opponents.

“The coach maintains his own style and he shouldn’t change it,” Tite told a press conference in Yokohama.

“I don’t want to change my style. Whoever performs best on the pitch will be in the starting lineup. That is always the same for me.”

Tite announced that Jorge Henrique would play instead of Douglas because he wanted to pressure Chelsea down the flanks with the winger’s speed. He added that the switch would mean Danilo moving into a central midfield position.

“The first person I told was Douglas. I explained the importance of Jorge Henrique’s speed but I warned him to be prepared (to come on).”

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn on what his starting team would be and whether he would stick with David Luiz, who excelled in an unfamiliar central midfield position in the 3-1 semi-final win over Monterrey.

Benitez may be tempted to revert to Frank Lampard, who is fit again after injury, and made a substitute’s appearance against the Mexican side.

“The good thing about this team is that I can choose any player and they will perform and do well,” the Spaniard said.

“Frank is a very good player and we have different options.”