Coach Chelsea Enzo Maresca described the atmosphere as “strange” during the opening of the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday after Blues secured victory nearly 50,000 empty seats.
The Blues beat Los Angeles FC 2-0 In Monday’s meeting of the group, but played at the stadium, which was less than the third. With a capacity of 71,000, a multipurpose place was welcomed by just over 22,000 spectators for 15:00.
“It was a good match, a good performance,” Maresa told reporters after the match. “I think the environment was a bit strange. The stadium was almost empty. Not full.”
The Italian, who joined Chelsea this summer after led Leicester City to the Premier League Promotion, recognized the difficulty of playing in such a suppression, especially with the Atlanta was over 2,000 miles (3,220 km) from the LAFC base in Los Angeles.
“We also thought of this game that the environment was a little different,” Maresca said. “But no doubt that another will be nice, because we know that the Brazilian team always brings many, many fans. So we will try to be ready for the next.”
Chelsea is scheduled to face Brazilian giants Flamengo on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The match is expected to draw a significantly larger crowd, and Flamengo boasts one of the most passionate travel fans in world football.
The knee participation in the Chelsea opening man contrast sharply with the rest of the tournament. On Saturday, over 60,000 fans for the opening match between Inter Miami Lionel Messi and Al Ahla on Saturday, while on Sunday athletico Madrid wrapped a massive crowd of 80,000 in Pasadena. Boca Juniors fans later created a zealous atmosphere during their match against Benfice at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Despite a quiet environment, Chelsea has released a composite display against the MLS side. Liam Delap, recently signed from Ipswich for approximately 30 million on a six -year agreement, had an immediate impact by helping Enzo Fernndez’s goal to double the lead after Christopher’s opening.
Maresca, who already has Nicolas Jackson, a NKUNKA and young striker Marc Guiu as an attacking options, expressed interest in how the inner competition would develop in front.
“I’m wondering how Nico reacts (to Delap),” Maresca said. “Competitive with Guiu, which is very young during the season. They are both a good number nine.”
Chelsea is now sitting on a level with flamengo at the top of his group after the Brazilian side also provided 2-0 victories over Espence de Tunis.
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 17, 2025
