PSG boss Luis Enrique says 'the teams are suffering' in the 40°C heat at the Club World Cup as Vitinha joins him in criticism of 'difficult' kick-off times

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  • PSG kicked off their Club World Cup with a 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid
  • The match kicked off at midday on Sunday in the searing Los Angeles heat 
  • Watch every Club World Cup match free on DAZN. Sign Up Now

By SPENCER MORGAN

Published: 11:33 BST, 16 June 2025 | Updated: 17:18 BST, 16 June 2025

PSG kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-0 over Atletico Madrid on Sunday but the French side were far from happy with the playing conditions in the States.

The Champions League winners returned to action with an emphatic performance over their Spanish counterparts at the Rose Bowl Stadium in California.

Goals from Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu and Kang-In Lee secured the win in their opener as Atletico were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Clement Lenglet.

The match was scheduled for a midday kick-off in Pasadena, Los Angeles, despite temperatures reaching nearly 40°C under the sun and 60 per cent humidity. 

Speaking after the dominant victory, both manager Luis Enrique and star midfielder Vitinha voiced their concerns.

'The match was clearly influenced by the temperature,' Enrique said. The time slot is great for European audiences, but the teams are suffering. 

Luis Enrique (right) says players are suffering at the Club World Cup due to the searing heat

Vitinha also criticised the conditions, admitting it was very difficult for both sets of players

The match was scheduled to kick-off at midday despite temperatures reaching nearly 40°C

'In terms of play, it's impossible to perform at a very high level for 90 minutes,' he added.

Portuguese midfielder Vitinha was asked about the issue and echoed the sentiments of his manager: 'of course, it's difficult. It's for both teams. 

'It might be a bit harder for Atletico because they don't have the ball. For me, it's harder to run after the ball. 

'It's hot here today at this time. I'm all red. It was really difficult, but we're trying to recover as much as possible because at this point in the season, it can be decisive.'

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