Chelsea might be chasing global glory, but right now, their biggest opponent isn’t a team—it’s the scorching Philadelphia sun.
With temperatures soaring into dangerous territory, Enzo Maresca’s men are struggling to even complete basic training sessions ahead of their Club World Cup clash with Tunisian side ES Tunis.
Heatwave Brings Training to a Standstill
Head coach Enzo Maresca didn’t mince words: trying to train in these conditions is nearly “impossible.”
The weather in Philadelphia is expected to break records, with the city set to hit over 100°F (about 38°C) for the first time in more than three decades.
Monday morning’s training took place at Subaru Park—home of the Philadelphia Union—but it was far from ideal.
With two giant fans blowing mist and players clinging to the only shaded part of the pitch, it was less of a session and more of a survival tactic.
Even at 11am, the “real feel” temperature had already hit 42°C. Not exactly football-friendly.
Maresca: “We’re Just Trying to Save Energy”
Maresca admitted that the team is doing the bare minimum when it comes to preparation.
“We’re not really training,” he told reporters. “Just very, very, very short sessions.
It’s not easy with these temperatures. We’re trying to save energy for the game.”
Despite the conditions, Maresca stayed level-headed.
“It’s not about making excuses,” he added. “When it’s hot, it’s hot. That’s just the reality.”
Health Concerns Start to Creep In
Not everyone is coping well with the heat. Club captain Reece James sat out of the Monday session due to illness.
Given his history with muscular problems, missing training might have actually been a blessing in disguise.
Defender Levi Colwill, also unwell, did manage to participate—though the humidity certainly didn’t help matters.
Another Game, Another Test in a Grueling Season
Tuesday night’s match against ES Tunis will be Chelsea’s 60th competitive fixture of the 2024–25 season—a staggering number that adds yet another layer of fatigue to the heatwave struggle.
But Maresca is determined to push through.
“This morning’s session was short, we focused on preparation,” he said.
“We’ll give it everything we’ve got to reach the next stage.”
Eyes on the Prize, Despite the Setbacks
Chelsea might be battling against brutal weather and a packed match calendar, but Maresca is keeping the squad focused on the mission.
With Club World Cup advancement on the line, they’ll have to dig deep and manage both their energy and their expectations.
Will the Blues overcome the odds in the Philadelphia heat? One thing’s for sure—they’re not giving up without a fight.