Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Criticises U.S. Venue for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 After Benfica Win

Maresca’s Critique of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States

Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

Chelsea beat FC Benfica 4-1 in the Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16 clash on Saturday. Even though the game went in their favour, the Blues, manager Enzo Maresca was seen flustered due to game suspensions because of the bad weather.

It was a near two-hour suspension caused by extreme weather conditions, specifically a lightning storm warning near the venue. The match, which was already in its final minutes, was halted, disrupting the flow and potentially affecting the outcome.

🚨🚨Enzo Maresca: "Sometimes it's better if you don't say what you think about the referee." [DAZN] pic.twitter.com/2US6gvibJn
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) June 29, 2025

“It’s not normal to suspend. It’s not a match.” – Maresca On the Frequent Game Suspensions at CWC 2025

Enzo Maresca expressed his disappointment and confusion regarding the extensive game suspensions during the match against Benfica. He began by acknowledging the quality of the competition, he told TNT Sports:

“Guys, please don’t bother me. I said it’s a fantastic competition. It’s a World Cup club. They are the best clubs. And we are happy to be in the first stage.”

Despite the initial positive sentiment, Maresca’s tone shifted as he addressed the unexpected interruptions, saying, “We are happy to win. But something happened.”

The manager highlighted the impracticality of maintaining player focus during these long delays, questioning, “And you try to keep the players focused on the game, no matter what, for two hours. How can you keep the players focused for two hours?”

He drew a comparison to other major tournaments, asking, “In a World Cup. how many players are suspended?” and pointed out, “It’s the World Club Championship, it’s top. Probably zero. In Europe.” Maresca’s frustration was evident as he pondered the decision-making process.

Despite the challenges, Maresca acknowledged the players’ resilience, noting,

“They are happy, they are happy to be here, to be here. For security reasons.” However, he questioned the normalcy of such measures, asking, “They are drinking something. They are playing. They are laughing. How can you keep them inside for 2 hours? It’s not normal to suspend. It’s not a match.”

Maresca is concerned about the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States revealing a deep frustration with the frequent game suspensions due to weather conditions. His reflections suggest that these interruptions are not only disrupting the flow of the games but also posing significant challenges in maintaining player focus and morale over extended periods.

Ultimately, Maresca’s critical assessment of the venue’s suitability rises from the belief that repeated suspensions, particularly over such long durations, are indicative of a location that may not be adequately equipped to host a competition of this scale.

Maresca becomes the second involvement in CWC 2025 to complain about the venue after Jude Bellingham reflected on the same issue. Potentially compromising the experience for both players and fans, many pundits have also raised the same argument regarding the CWC 2025.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

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Enzo Maresca

Mayur Dedwal

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I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!