Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has admitted the extreme weather conditions posed a major challenge during their 2-0 Club World Cup semi-final victory over Fluminense on Tuesday.
Speaking after the match, the French full-back described the 35°C heat and 55% humidity in New Jersey as “difficult to breathe.”
He noted it was one of the most physically demanding games he has experienced.
“It’s so difficult on the pitch. It was hard to breathe and we are happy to come through it and go through,” Gusto said post-match.
Despite a local heat advisory issued in the area, the match proceeded as scheduled at MetLife Stadium.
Gusto, who played a key role in Chelsea’s defensive effort, emphasized the need to stay mentally strong under such conditions.
“It’s complicated to play in these kind of conditions. It doesn’t matter, we’ve to stay focused on ourselves, stick to our plan and give everything.”
He added that the weather affected both teams equally and praised the squad for pushing through to secure their place in the Club World Cup final, where they will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
“It’s the same for all the teams. The most important thing is that we did the job. We will try to win this final and win the trophy.”
