Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač expressed his dissatisfaction with the field conditions and the weather during the Club World Cup in the United States. Kovač, after the defeat in the quarter-finals by 3-2 against Real Madrid, commented that the MetLife Stadium pitch seemed more suitable for golf than for a football match.
Additionally, the coach criticized the summer heat in the New York area, considering it inappropriate for high-level soccer. Dortmund played its first group match at MetLife Stadium, home of the Club World Cup semi-finals and final, as well as next year’s World Cup final. The German team played two matches at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati and its round of 16 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kovač also pointed out the lack of adequate irrigation on the field, which made playing difficult. In a sunny afternoon, the temperature at the beginning of the match at 3 p.m. was 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Similar or higher temperatures are expected for next year’s World Cup, where 11 venues are in the United States and most do not have a roof or air conditioning.It’s more of a golf course, so you can putt here.
Niko Kovač, coach of Borussia Dortmund
The coach suggested that the starting times of the matches be delayed to allow for more intense and attractive football for the spectators.We played twice in Cincinnati. The first time was at 12 o’clock. The second time at 3 p.m. and on the field we had temperatures of about 45 degrees (113 degrees Fahrenheit). When the temperature is 45 degrees, this is not amazing. This is very hard for someone, and the players, must play these games.
Niko Kovač, coach of Borussia Dortmund
