Enzo Maresca was enraged after Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Benfica stretched nearly five hours due to a long weather delay.
The London giants ultimately secured a 4-1 extra-time victory in Charlotte, but not before a nearly two-hour suspension brought on by storms.
At Bank of America Stadium, athletes were withdrawn and spectators were instructed from the stands with four minutes remaining as Chelsea led thanks to Reece James’s spectacular free-kick.
The storm delay changed course. To reclaim the lead, Benfica witnessed Gianluca Prestianni being sent off then Christopher Nkunku scored soon after. Late breakaway goals by Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed the victory.
After the last whistle, Maresca did not hold back.”For 85 minutes we were in control of the game,” he remarked. “After the break, the game changed completely. For me it’s not football.”
The manager attacked the organization of the event, with storms now disrupting six games across many host cities.
He continued: “It’s a joke to be honest. It’s not football. It’s not for us. If you suspend seven, eight games, then probably this is not the right place to do this competition.
“As a manager, it’s difficult. You’re trying to keep the players focused for two hours. But they’re speaking with family, eating, laughing. How do you keep them focused for that long?”
The Blues now proceed to meet Palmeiras in the quarter-finals, resolved to advance despite storm-struck reverses.
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