Juventus Suffers Defeat in Club World Cup Due to Fatigue and Weather Conditions
Juventus coach Igor Tudor revealed that ten players asked to be substituted during the match against Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup, due to exhaustion caused by the “really difficult conditions” in the round of 16 match in Miami. Gonzalo García’s goal in the second half secured Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory, confirming their place in the quarter-finals and eliminating the Italian team.Even though the temperatures in Miami reached 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius), Tudor noted that his players had difficulties adapting to the conditions.
The coach explained that the match against Madrid was too demanding for his players for various reasons.Tudor mentioned that several factors contributed to his players’ fatigue, including the end of a long season and accumulated stress. In addition, he highlighted the humidity and heat as elements that hindered the team’s performance.The conditions were really difficult today. Ten players asked me to be substituted. They were very tired.
Igor Tudor, Juventus Coach
Tudor added that his players gave their best, but it was not enough to overcome Real Madrid. He acknowledged the valuable experience of competing against high-level teams. Real Madrid had Kylian Mbappé back, who played 23 minutes after recovering from acute gastroenteritis. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso hopes Mbappé will be in better shape for the quarter-final match in New Jersey.I think it’s time to rest now. We will have three weeks of rest, so I don’t think this [the Club World Cup] will affect us negatively. But yes, we need to rest, start again and be stronger.
Igor Tudor, Juventus Coach
He’s getting better every day, and he’ll be even better by the quarterfinals. I speak with him every day, I ask him how he feels, and I think he’ll be much better for the quarterfinals.
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid Coach
