Maiden Club World Cup triumph can help Thomas Tuchel appease Roman Abramovich after likely title failure

This part of the world has become a favourite retreat for the Premier League’s biggest stars – but Chelsea’s trip to Abu Dhabi is about so much more than winter sun.

Neighbouring Dubai hosted its usual influx of footballers during the recent winter break, with Instagram feeds overwhelmed with images of fabulously wealthy young men basking in its luxurious trappings.

But roll the clock forward and it is strictly business as the Blues prepare to start their Club World Cup campaign, even if Thomas Tuchel has been forced to stay back in England as he self-isolates after testing positive for Covid-19.

There remains hope will be able to join up with his squad later this week and there is little doubt he will be climbing the walls as he awaits two negative lateral flow tests.

Until then, the Chelsea manager remains in constant contact with his coaching staff – led by assistant Arno Michels – and the message is clear: Don’t come back empty-handed.

Training in temperatures of around 23 degrees at their Ritz Carlton base against the spectacular silhouette of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, preparation for tomorrow’s semi-final against Al Hilal has been serious.

In just over a year in charge at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel has left no-one in doubt about his attitude to silverware. He is a trophy-hunter. And while he is not the type to dwell on past achievements – unlike Jose Mourinho there is no commemorative watch to mark each championship – he is acutely aware of the opportunity to make history out here in the United Arab Emirates.

The title of world champions is the only one that has evaded Roman Abramovich during the Russian’s ownership.

That is motivation enough to reach Saturday’s final, which is expected to be against Palmeiras,