Chelsea's Malo Gusto says he was struggling to breathe playing in 35C temperature in New Jersey, with humidity at 55% and a local heat warning out in the area. The 22-year-old defender was part of the Blues' 2-0 win over Fluminense at MetLife Stadium - courtesy of a double by £55m signing Joao Pedro on his first start for the club - that booked a place in Sunday's Club World Cup final. It is the latest success Chelsea have had at the tournament in the United States, despite facing searing heat in Philadelphia in three previous fixtures and a nearly two-hour delay because of local thunderstorms in Charlotte.
Chelsea's Malo Gusto says he was struggling to breathe playing in 35C temperature in New Jersey, with humidity at 55% and a local heat warning out in the area.
The 22-year-old defender was part of the Blues' 2-0 win over Fluminense at MetLife Stadium - courtesy of a double by £55m signing Joao Pedro on his first start for the club - that booked a place in Sunday's Club World Cup final.
However, Gusto revealed just how challenging the conditions were, saying: "It's so difficult on the pitch. It was hard to breathe and we are happy to come through it and go through.
"It's complicated to play in these kind of conditions. It doesn't matter, we've to stay focused on ourselves, stick to our plan and give everything.
"It's [the same] for all the teams. The most important thing is that we did the job. We will try to win this final and win the trophy."
It is the latest success Chelsea have had at the tournament in the United States, despite facing searing heat in Philadelphia in three previous fixtures and a nearly two-hour delay because of local thunderstorms in Charlotte.
Gusto added: "We know these are tough games. We've shown a great reaction and we really want to win.
"We are improving all the time. It doesn't matter who we face in the final. We just want to win."
Enzo Maresca's side will take on either Real Madrid or Paris St-Germain in the final on Sunday (20:00 BST kick-off).
Category: General Sports
