Enzo Maresca believes the newly revamped Club World Cup is "great motivation" for his Chelsea players as his side look to win the competition in the summer. 

The competition has been expanded to 32 teams, including 12 from Europe, and will take place across the United States between June and July.

The Blues secured their place in the competition after being crowned European champions in 2021 with a 1-0 Champions League final win against Manchester City in Porto.

Chelsea were placed in Group D alongside Flamengo, Club Leon and Esperance Sportive de Tunis, with their first game taking place on June 16 in Atlanta. 

And with Chelsea out of the running for major silverware this season under Maresca, the Italian believes the tournament is the perfect opportunity to lift his first title for the club. 

"That's what you need to see it as, as a source of motivation," Maresca said.

"As I've told you before, when you're at Chelsea, your goal is to win as much as you can. And when we're there, that will be one of our goals: to try to win it.

"I'm happy because - as you've just said - it's a tournament that brings together the top 32 teams [in the world]. So, it is pretty exciting to take part in such a huge competition.

"And you also have the opportunity to face other top coaches and some world-class teams."

Chelsea lifted the title in 2022 after beating Palmeiras 2-1 in extra-time in the final, with Kai Havertz scoring the winning penalty three minutes from time. 

The competition is viewed seriously by Chelsea's hierarchy, according to sources close to the club, for two main reasons. 

Earlier this month, it was reported that FIFA were set to give $1billion in prize money to clubs participating in the competition, while it is also an opportunity for Chelsea to appeal to a global audience.

Maresca was also able to detail Cole Palmer's involvement in the tournament, with the 22-year-old missing Chelsea's pre-season tour of America last year due to his participation for England at the European Championships. 

However, the Three Lions international is expected to be involved this time around with more at stake. 

"Cole Palmer is up there with the very best, top players who can produce something at any moment, create something out of nothing," Maresca added.

"He wasn't with me on the USA tour last summer, so it will also be a chance for him to experience the environment there and to introduce himself to [North] America."