Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has questioned the decision by the US to host the Club World Cup, saying the extreme weather conditions that suspended the match with Benfica was “a joke”. The Italian described the two-hour delay as disrupting the flow of the game, and expressed concerns about the safety protocols in place.
The match between Chelsea and Benfica was delayed twice due to thunderstorms and heat, leading Maresca to wonder if the US is the right location for the competition. He criticized the suspension of six games already during the tournament, citing it as a sign that something is amiss. The manager said players had to cycle on exercise bikes to keep warm while waiting for the game to resume.
The weather has been a talking point throughout the tournament, with extreme heat and thunderstorms affecting several matches. Fifa officials have tried to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of security protocols. However, Maresca’s comments suggest that more needs to be done to ensure the comfort and safety of players.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cx2nq51wd1yo