Maresca Worried Philadelphia Heat Wave Will Affect Chelsea’s Performance

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, reveals his team’s strategy in dealing with the extreme heat wave in Philadelphia — the venue for tomorrow’s Club World Cup match against Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

According to Associated Press, Philadelphia’s temperature has reached a heat index of 42.2 degrees Celsius — conditions that prompted the local health department to declare a heat emergency through Wednesday evening.

“It’s almost impossible to train a full session because of the weather. We are trying to save energy for the game. This morning’s session was very short, just plan for tomorrow, that’s it,” explained Maresca.

Philadelphia authorities have opened air-conditioned libraries and community centers — while providing a special hotline staffed with medical professionals to handle heat-related health issues.