Cincinnati – Niko Kovac, the coach of Borussia Dortmund, remains skeptical about the team’s chances of winning the FIFA Club World Cup, citing the challenging weather conditions in the United States. Kovac emphasized that the team most adept at handling the heat will likely emerge as the victor, and he believes that team will likely not be from Europe.
“The clubs from the southern regions have a significant advantage because of the heat,” Kovac stated ahead of Dortmund’s second group match against the South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for Saturday at 6 PM local time, when temperatures are expected to soar to around 34 degrees Celsius.
The match in Cincinnati will take place in the sweltering midday heat. “It’s hard to imagine the impact this has on the players when the sun is blazing down. It’s even hotter in the stadium, by an additional two to three degrees,” Kovac remarked. He is mindful of selecting players who are most capable of performing despite the oppressive temperatures.
After a lackluster 0-0 draw against Fluminense Rio de Janeiro in their opening match, Dortmund finds themselves under pressure to secure a victory against the South African record champions from Pretoria. “We need to win,” Kovac asserted, as the team prepares in Florida, where the heat is similarly intense.
European teams have struggled recently in the extreme heat conditions across the country. Kovac noted, “Many teams are suffering right now, and the Europeans are finding it particularly challenging.” Other notable European clubs, including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, have also faced defeats under similar conditions, highlighting the challenges posed by the current climate.
Kovac added that the pace of the games has been affected, saying, “In general, the tempo in the matches isn’t very high because it’s just not feasible in this heat. Viewers should keep this in mind when questioning why the play seems slow.”
In a positive light, Kovac’s focus on adapting to the climate may bolster the team’s strategy moving forward, and overcoming these challenges could enhance their resilience. With the right approach, Dortmund could turn a difficult situation into a strong performance as the tournament progresses.