Enzo Maresca has issued his verdict on the “strange environment” at the Club World Cup, as Chelsea played their first fixture inside an “almost empty” stadium.
Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandes saw off a spirited LAFC side 2-0 in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday evening but the 70,000-capacity NFL ground attracted an attendance of just 22,137.
Thousands of empty seats in the most prominent lower tier of seating were visible on the TV coverage, while the lack of atmosphere inside the ground was further heightened by the individual player walk-on introductions ahead of kick-off.
Most of the noise came from the 150 LAFC ‘ultras’, despite Chelsea fans largely outnumbering their American counterparts.
BBC Sport report that FIFA were hoping for 26,000 in attendance, a figure a little over a third of the capacity, which was still not met, and will do little to persuade onlookers against a perceived apathy towards the newly expanded tournament.
The kick-off time is likely to have played a part, taking place at 3pm local time on a Monday and 2,000 miles away from Los Angeles. The Athletic report that the cheapest available ticket on sale on official tournament vendors in the hours ahead of kick-off were still $53 (£39).
"I think the environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full,” Maresca said after the game.
"We are professional and we have to adapt to the situation, to the environment. You have to adapt when you play with a full stadium.
I think the environment was a bit strange, the stadium was almost empty, not full
“You have to adapt when the stadium is not full but it doesn't matter."
LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo said: "I think it is different each game you look at.
"In the Rose Bowl in LA, there was a huge crowd for the game between PSG and Atletico Madrid. Maybe LA likes football more than Atlanta, I don't know, we should judge at the end."
Chelsea are next in action on Friday, taking on Flamengo at the 67,594-capacity Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, which is being held at 2pm local time.
