Earlier this week, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca questioned the choice of the United States as the host country for the Club World Cup due to the two-hour weather delay in his team's match against Benfica. Now, Inter Milan and Fluminense will face off in the round of sixteen to determine who will move on to the next round against either Manchester City or Al-Hilal.
At a press conference ahead of the match, Chivu spoke about the challenges posed by the delays. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the match, saying, "If we arrive and they tell us to wait two hours, it becomes difficult because it's not something that can be postponed from one minute to the next. It's about how and how much we eat, how much we drink. We are professionals, and to express ourselves for 120 minutes, we have to be ready."
Chivu hopes that the organizers will make a decision about the weather alert before the match starts. He also expressed concern about the extreme weather conditions in Charlotte, where the match will be held, which are very hot and humid. The weather conditions pose a significant problem not only for player performance but also for fan safety.
The potential for large delays in the World Cup next year could damage the tournament. With international sides facing similar challenges, it remains to be seen how the organizers will address these issues and ensure a smooth-running competition.