Chelsea manager Maresca expresses frustration and disappointment after his team’s Club World Cup game is delayed for almost two hours due to a thunderstorm.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed his frustration and disappointment after his team’s Club World Cup game against Benfica was delayed for almost two hours due to a thunderstorm. The match, which was held at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, was suspended with Chelsea leading 1-0, just four minutes away from victory.
Maresca described the situation as “a joke” and “not football,” struggling to understand why the game was suspended for such a long period. He pointed out that if seven or eight games had to be suspended due to weather conditions, it might not be the right place to host the competition.
The Italian manager was visibly frustrated, stating that it was difficult for the players to stay focused during the long delay. He noted that while the players were safe, they were distracted, speaking with family members outside, eating, and laughing, making it challenging to maintain their concentration.
Maresca emphasized that he was speaking as a manager, not trying to decide the rules, but rather expressing his concerns about the impact of the delay on the game. He found it absurd that the players had to wait for two hours before the game resumed, affecting their momentum and focus.
When the game finally resumed, Benfica benefited from the break and forced extra-time with a penalty. Chelsea eventually won 4-1 after extra-time, with Gianluca Prestianni being sent off for Benfica and Christopher Nkunku scoring a decisive goal for Chelsea.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Maresca was proud of his team’s performance and their ability to adapt to the situation. He praised the players for their determination and focus, which ultimately led to their victory.
Maresca’s main concern was the impact of the delay on the game itself, and he questioned the suitability of the United States as a host for the competition, given the frequency of weather-related disruptions.
