‘Impossible to train’ – Chelsea face record heat in Philadelphia

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.