Chelsea Coach Questions Suitability of American Cities for Soccer Matches After Storm Delays

Weather Disruptions Raise Concerns During U.S. Tour

Chelsea Football Club’s head coach Mauricio Pochettino voiced concerns about the viability of certain U.S. cities as venues for major soccer matches following severe weather delays. The incident occurred during Chelsea’s pre-season summer tour in the United States, where a match was halted due to storms, leaving players, staff, and fans waiting for hours amid uncertainty.

Pochettino Highlights Challenges in Scheduling

Speaking after the match, Pochettino emphasized the logistical and safety challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns in certain American cities. He questioned whether these locations are adequately equipped to host top-level international fixtures, especially during summer months when thunderstorms are common.

“You have to ask: are these the right places to plan these games?” Pochettino said. “When there are storms and the game gets delayed for hours, it’s not good for the players or the fans.”

Implications for Future Tours and Friendlies

Chelsea and several other European teams use the United States as a key pre-season destination due to its large fan base and commercial opportunities. However, the recent delays could spark conversations about:

• Choosing climate-friendly venues for summer exhibitions
• Ensuring better weather contingency planning
• Evaluating stadium infrastructure and readiness to handle delays

Fans Also Affected by Weather-Related Delays

It wasn’t just team logistics that suffered. Fans, many of whom traveled long distances and paid premium prices to watch their favorite Premier League team, were forced to brave hours in uncertainty. The experience has prompted some supporters to question how weather and safety protocols are handled across tour locations.

Rethinking the U.S. as a Pre-Season Hub?

While the U.S. remains a key market for international clubs, Pochettino’s comments might influence future decisions regarding which cities are included in schedules. Clubs may now look even more carefully at potential weather disruptions before finalizing tours.

As elite European clubs continue to globalize their brands, the balance between commercial reach and matchday experience — for both players and fans — is becoming more critical than ever.