)
Enzo Maresca was not pleased with what transpired during Chelsea's 4-1 victory over Benfica.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has voiced strong criticism of the Club World Cup's organisation after a two-hour weather delay disrupted his team's 4-1 victory over Benfica in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
)
What happened
The highly-anticipated match, held in the United States, was halted due to lightning storm warnings marking the sixth match interruption of the tournament for similar reasons.
The encounter eventually lasted a total of four hours and 39 minutes from kickoff to final whistle, stretching well into extra time.
What Maresca said
In his post-match press conference, a visibly frustrated Maresca lashed out at the competition’s logistics.
)
22:43 - 28.06.2025
Chelsea agree €65 million deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign 20-year-old dazzling winger
Premier League giants Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal to sign winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
The Italian said, “It’s a Joke. It’s Not Football. For me personally, it's not football. I think it's a joke. I can understand that for security reasons, you have to suspend the game. But if you suspend seven or eight games, that means that probably this is not the right place to do this competition.”
He added, “It’s a fantastic competition, the Club World Cup, all the best clubs are here. But six, or seven games suspended? It’s not normal.”
Maresca drew a sharp contrast with previous major international tournaments.
)
19:51 - 28.06.2025
Transfer News: Arsenal plot SHOCK move for 24-year-old to hand Chelsea Osimhen boost
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are reportedly plotting a surprise move to address their lack of attacking firepower.
“In a World Cup, how many have they suspended? Probably zero. In a European Championship? Zero. There is some problem.”
Impact on Chelsea's performance
Chelsea were leading 1-0 when the weather delay halted the match. Play resumed nearly two hours later, completely shifting the game's momentum.
)
06:14 - 01.07.2025
Report: Chelsea set to offload Jackson, Madueke, 6 other players this summer
Premier League giants Chelsea are reportedly set to axe as many as seven players as they prepare for the new season.
“The game was very good for 85 minutes. Then we stopped for two hours. When we started, it was a completely different game. It’s not the same game because you break the tempo,” Maresca noted.
Despite the disruption, Chelsea managed to dominate extra time and secure a place in the quarter-finals, maintaining their strong form under the new manager.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)