"I'm not making excuses when I say it's too hot," Maresca said on 23/6. "We practically can't train properly. This morning's session was very, very short. We can't do everything normally if we want to conserve energy for the match."

Coach Maresca directs during the Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea match on 21/6. Photo: CFC

Coach Maresca directs during the Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea match on 21/6. Photo: CFC

Currently, the air temperature in Philadelphia has exceeded 100°F (37.8°C) for the first time since 1994. Chelsea players could only train lightly in a shaded part of the field, next to two large misting fans.

On the morning of 25/6, Chelsea will play their final Group D match against Tunisian side Esperance. The temperature is forecast to be even higher then.

Chelsea and Esperance both have 3 points after two matches, but the English team is ranked higher due to goal difference. Maresca's team only needs a draw to advance. In this group, Flamengo is leading with two wins. Los Angeles FC has no points and has been eliminated.

Participating in the FIFA Club World Cup earns Chelsea at least 40 million USD. Further progression means higher prize money. The winning team could receive up to 130 million USD, not including other revenue from increased reputation.

Over the past three years, Chelsea has invested billions of USD in the transfer market. This spending spree has put the 2021 Champions League winners under pressure from the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules. However, the club's leadership isn't pressuring Maresca's team to win the Club World Cup.

"The owners only want the best for us and for the players in every single match," Maresca said. "They haven't talked about the final prize or the financial rewards. They never pressure me or the players with things like 'we need to win this tournament for the money.' They just want to win for everyone at the club. It's not about the money."

If Chelsea finishes second in Group D, they will likely face the winner of Group C, Bayern. The winner of that match will advance to the quarterfinals to face the winner of the Botafogo-Palmeiras match.

Thanh Quy (via ESPN)