Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca described the atmosphere at the team’s 2-0 win over LAFC as “strange” due to the low attendance of just 22,137 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Despite the stadium’s 71,000 capacity, many sections were nearly empty.
The game was played in a city whose team, Atlanta United, has a significantly higher average attendance per game. Ticket prices had been slashed for the match, but there was little late take-up. Maresca stated that adapting to an empty stadium is key, regardless of crowd size.
LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo also expressed his thoughts on the low attendance, saying it’s not ideal but should be assessed at the end of the tournament. The team will face challenges in terms of atmosphere and support throughout the competition.
Forward Liam Delap’s potential impact was discussed by Maresca, who is curious to see how he will react with existing players like Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45528649/lack-fans-club-world-cup-strange