Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has voiced strong concerns about the scheduling of matches at the ongoing Club World Cup, warning that extreme weather conditions are hampering the quality of play.
Speaking after PSG's commanding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in their opening group stage match on Sunday, Enrique highlighted how the punishing heat in Pasadena, Los Angeles, where temperatures reached nearly 40°C with 60% humidity, significantly affected the game.
"The match was clearly influenced by the temperature," Enrique stated. "The time slot is great for European audiences, but the teams are suffering. In terms of play, it's impossible to perform at a very high level for 90 minutes."
Scheduling Concerns Amid Tournament Expansion
The criticism comes as the Club World Cup undergoes significant expansion, bringing together top clubs from around the globe to compete in the United States during summer months. The noon kickoff time for PSG's match against Atletico Madrid was scheduled to accommodate European television audiences, but at the expense of players' comfort and performance quality.
PSG's next match against Brazilian side Botafogo will also take place in Pasadena, though at a slightly more favorable 6pm local time. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will travel to Seattle for their next fixture, where temperatures are forecast to be a much cooler 19°C.
The tournament has drawn attention not only for its expanded format but also for the challenging conditions faced by participating teams. Player welfare concerns have been raised as clubs navigate the demanding schedule in high temperatures that are unusual for many European players accustomed to cooler climates.
Despite the challenging conditions, PSG's performance against Atletico Madrid demonstrated their determination to make a strong showing in the tournament, with the French champions dominating their Spanish opponents.
Follow BenriNews for more updates on the Club World Cup and other sports news:
