June 17 – Just 72 hours into FIFA’s Club World Cup spectacle, players and fans across the United States are expressing concerns about the stifling heat that has been witnessed from Miami to Los Angeles.
New Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who has yet to set foot on the pitch for City, has said that players are wary of the summer heat. A noon kick-off for the English Premier League side on Wednesday against Moroccan club Wydad AC in Philadelphia, in conditions expected to be above 85oF (29.4oC), has got alarm bells ringing.
“It’s going to be hard. There are a lot of good teams [in the tournament] and the weather is very hot,” Reijnders said.
“We’re getting used to it and we’ll be ready for Wednesday. We take it very seriously. We want to win every tournament we play. This is nothing different.”
On Sunday, Atlético Madrid faced the UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, also with a noon kick-off. Under crystal blue skies, PSG hammered Atlético 4-0; however, one of the main talking points was the game-time 90oF (32.2oC) temperature.
“It’s impossible,” Atlético midfielder Marcos Llorente told reporters after the match. “It’s terribly hot. My toes were sore, my nails were hurting. I couldn’t stop or start. In the end, it’s incredible. Since it’s the same for everyone, there’s no complaint.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique agreed, saying the midday kick-off time hindered the match.
“It’s not easy to play in this kind of heat. The match was clearly influenced by the temperature. It’s great for viewers in Europe to watch at that time, but it takes a toll on the teams.
“Mobility is one of our trademarks, and knowing when to use it is key. We played well, but these kinds of efforts were tough. The ambition from the players is amazing. As a coach, it’s great to see that. Everyone’s ready. We work together as a team. That’s the right way to grow.”
PSG dynamo and man of the match Vitinha added: “Of course, it’s difficult. It’s for both teams. It might be a bit harder for Atlético because they don’t have the ball. For me, it’s harder to run after the ball. It’s hot here today at this time. I’m all red. It was really difficult, but we’re trying to recover as much as possible because at this point in the season, it can be decisive.”
Despite cooling breaks, the match was often played at walking pace, and unfortunately for both teams, it’s only going to get hotter as the tournament progresses.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1750167128labto1750167128ofdlr1750167128owedi1750167128sni@r1750167128etsbe1750167128w.kci1750167128n1750167128