Enzo Maresca admitted that his Chelsea players were unable to train properly in the hot weather in Philadelphia (USA) as they prepared for their final FIFA Club World Cup group stage match against Esperance de Tunis on Wednesday (June 25, Vietnam time).
Chelsea deployed large industrial fans next to their training ground at Subaru Park on the morning of June 23 (local time) and used cooling spray to try to lessen the impact of temperatures expected to peak at 37C in Philadelphia ahead of the match, scheduled to kick off at 9pm (local time).
Chelsea players have to arrange industrial fans at the training ground (Photo: Getty).
Authorities have warned of extreme heat and advised the public to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, but Chelsea have no choice but to go all out against Esperance after a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo last weekend left their hopes of progressing from Group D in tatters.
According to The Athletic, there have been concerns about the health of players, coaching staff and fans about the conditions at the tournament, with experts saying FIFA needs to take proactive steps to ensure everyone's safety.
“It is almost impossible to train or participate in training in these conditions. We are trying to save energy for the match. This morning's training was very short, and it was just about planning for tomorrow's match and that's it, nothing more. Because as you can see, it is not easy in these conditions, with these temperatures, but we will do our best," Maresca said in a pre-match press conference.
“I always try to avoid excuses, but I try to be honest: it's not about excuses, it's about reality. When it's not hot and we say it's hot, it's an excuse. But if it's hot, it's the reality. It's difficult to work with this temperature, but we're here, we're trying our best and we'll try to win again. That's the only thing we can say and we can do," added the Chelsea captain.
Chelsea can only do light training due to the hot weather (Photo: Getty).
Chelsea captain Reece James sat out Monday's open training session due to illness, and Maresca also explained why Nicolas Jackson was not involved as he prepares to serve a one-match suspension for being sent off against Flamengo.
“Jackson wasn’t in training this morning because it was the day before the game,” Maresca said of Jackson. “We only use the guys we’re going to prepare for the game and since he’s not in tomorrow’s game, he’s not with us. We only use the guys we have available for tomorrow.”
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/hlv-maresca-tiet-lo-ly-do-khien-chelsea-khong-the-tap-luyen-day-du-20250624182931638.htm
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