Archive June 23, 2025

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea manager, claims it is “impossible” to hold regular training sessions in Philadelphia during the Club World Cup due to a “code red” severe heat warning.

In 37C, the Blues players spent their training at Philadelphia Union’s home at Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium, Subaru Park.

According to accuweather.com, the 45% humidity makes it feel more like 45C, and on Monday, it was predicted to reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8C) for the first time in 13 years.

Maresca noted that “the session this morning was very, very, very brief,” noting that “without that, you wouldn’t have the same amount of energy as the game.”

“It’s been planning for tomorrow, and that’s it. The Italian continued, “Not more than that.”

As you can see, using these temperatures and these conditions is difficult. We’ll make every effort possible.

The Philadelphia-based public authority has cautioned residents against engaging in “strenuous physical activity” and “work in high-heat environments.”

However, some matches of Fifa’s newly expanded tournament started in the middle of the afternoon with the highest temperatures.

Maresca said, “We are trying to do our best and we will try to win tomorrow,” but it’s challenging to work in these conditions.

Other clubs have experienced the same issues, which raises questions about the United States hosting the World Cup in the future.

After beating Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati on Saturday, Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac declared that he was “sweating like I’ve just come out of a sauna.”

Midfielder Marcos Llorente described the 4-0 defeat by Paris St-Germain as “incredibly hot” and said “my toes were sore, my nails were hurting – it’s incredible.”

After falling 3-1 to Brazilian side Flamengo last time round, Chelsea are under pressure for their final Group D encounter with Tunisian outfit ES Tunis.

To be runners-up, the Blues must avoid defeat in order to place in the last 16 with Bayern Munich, Benfica, or Boca Juniors.

As medical staff watched on, Chelsea’s players had a “very brief” training session at Subaru Park.

Between drills, drinks were provided at every opportunity along with crates of iced water bottles.

The only partially shaded area of the open stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, had large fans positioned on the sides of the field and were distributing water spray at the players.

Gareth Bale, a former Wales international and Real Madrid player, is optimistic about the success of his bid to purchase Cardiff City.

According to reports, Bale, 35, was a member of a group that contacted Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan about posing for a controlling stake in the League One club in direct contact.

The Malaysian businessman is believed to be having little interest in selling at the moment, but the group is now assuming that it will try again.

Bale told Sky Sports, “I’m a part of it.”

Although it is believed that the proposal for the newly relegated club from the Championship did not get into the boardroom discussion stage, Cardiff have not commented on the reports that came out.

Bale had been linked with moving to Cardiff as a player in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup due to the uncle Chris Pike’s involvement with the Bluebirds between 1989 and 1993.

However, the five-time Champions League champion with Real Madrid made the decision to switch to Los Angeles FC’s Major League Soccer (MLS) side and leave the sport in 2023.

Bale said, “I can’t really say too much, but what I can say is that we are interested in getting to Cardiff, where I was raised, and my uncle used to play for them.”

“So yeah, it would be a dream come true to be a member of an ownership group.”

It’s where I was raised, and it’s close to my heart. I’d like to see Cardiff develop and reach its proper Premier League status.

There is no circumstance in which England would consider a draw as a positive outcome from their thrilling first Test against India at Headingley, according to fast bowler Josh Tongue.

England will start the fifth day with a target of 271 runs and a score of 350. The hosts’ second-best attempt in a Test and second-best on this ground would be if they could pull it off.

England have made it abundantly clear that they don’t like to draw Tests under captain Ben Stokes. Since Stokes took over as England’s skipper three years ago, only one of its 36 games ended in draws, and that’s because it rained almost two days of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford in 2023.

On Tuesday, Leeds’ forecast is ambiguous, which could make the run chase for England more difficult.

When Tongue was asked if there was a chance that a draw would turn out to be a positive outcome, Tongue replied, “No. Simply put, win. That’s the clear message in the changing area.

In the first few years of Stokes’ captaincy, England began to run chase, defeating India 378 in Edgbaston in 2022.

Headingley, who has a reputation for producing exceptional results, also has a history of teams winning batting last, which enabled Stokes to win the toss and field match despite the best of day one.

More than any other venue in the world, aside from the Australian Cricket Ground in Melbourne, has successfully chased six totals over 250.

When asked if a draw had been discussed, Tongue replied, “We’re not in that situation anyway.” We’ll try to be as positive as possible during the opening session, check our lunch schedule, and then proceed.

I believe we can defeat any opponent with our batting lineup. Their bowlers will perform well during certain times, but it’s important to repress those pressure and pressure the bowlers. I don’t understand why we can’t pursue it.

“We’re obviously very confident,” he said. Our batting lineup is very strong, in your opinion. We play cricket that is both good and bad.

KL Rahul, the Indian batter, was also questioned if there was a scenario where his team would draw with a favorable outcome. He responded, “I agree with Josh Tongue.

There will undoubtedly be a result. England has stated this in a very open manner, and their style of cricket also suggests that. It gives us a good chance to take ten wickets.

On day four, Rahul and Rishabh Pant smashed incredible centuries, giving the impression that India was finally taking a decisive turn.

However, Tongue took three wickets in four deliveries to help England start the chase against India for 364 in their second innings.

Tongue, 27, is known by England and Nottinghamshire team-mate Ben Duckett for his habit of running through the lower order.

After taking four in the first innings to wrap up the late order, Tongue removed India’s numbers eight, nine, and 10 in the same over to end with 3-72.

I’ve done it twice now, so tongue said of his nickname, “I’ve got to start calling myself that.”

There is no circumstance in which England would consider a draw as a positive outcome from their thrilling first Test against India at Headingley, according to fast bowler Josh Tongue.

England will start the fifth day with a target of 271 runs and a score of 350. The hosts’ second-best attempt in a Test and second-best on this ground would be if they could pull it off.

England have made it abundantly clear that they don’t like to draw Tests under captain Ben Stokes. Since Stokes took over as England’s skipper three years ago, only one of its 36 games ended in draws, and that’s because it rained almost two days of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford in 2023.

On Tuesday, Leeds’ forecast is ambiguous, which could make the run chase for England more difficult.

When Tongue was asked if there was a chance that a draw would turn out to be a positive outcome, Tongue replied, “No. Simply put, win. That’s the clear message in the changing area.

In the first few years of Stokes’ captaincy, England began to run chase, defeating India 378 in Edgbaston in 2022.

Headingley, who has a reputation for producing exceptional results, also has a history of teams winning batting last, which enabled Stokes to win the toss and field match despite the best of day one.

More than any other venue in the world, aside from the Australian Cricket Ground in Melbourne, has successfully chased six totals over 250.

When asked if a draw had been discussed, Tongue replied, “We’re not in that situation anyway.” We’ll try to be as positive as possible during the opening session, check our lunch schedule, and then proceed.

I believe we can defeat any opponent with our batting lineup. Their bowlers will perform well during certain times, but it’s important to repress those pressure and pressure the bowlers. I don’t understand why we can’t pursue it.

“We’re obviously very confident,” he said. Our batting lineup is very strong, in your opinion. We play cricket that is both good and bad.

KL Rahul, the Indian batter, was also questioned if there was a scenario where his team would draw with a favorable outcome. He responded, “I agree with Josh Tongue.

There will undoubtedly be a result. England has stated this in a very open manner, and their style of cricket also suggests that. It gives us a good chance to take ten wickets.

On day four, Rahul and Rishabh Pant smashed incredible centuries, giving the impression that India was finally taking a decisive turn.

However, Tongue took three wickets in four deliveries to help England start the chase against India for 364 in their second innings.

Tongue, 27, is known by England and Nottinghamshire team-mate Ben Duckett for his habit of running through the lower order.

After taking four in the first innings to wrap up the late order, Tongue removed India’s numbers eight, nine, and 10 in the same over to end with 3-72.

I’ve done it twice now, so tongue said of his nickname, “I’ve got to start calling myself that.”