Niko Kovac Criticizes Club World Cup Pitches as ‘Golf Green’ After Real Madrid Defeat

Borussia Dortmund’s manager, Niko Kovac, expressed strong discontent with the quality of the pitches at the Club World Cup, comparing them to a golf green suitable for putting rather than playing football. Following Dortmund’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Kovac highlighted the unsatisfactory playing conditions.

He noted that the grass was of a poor quality and questioned the watering practices, suggesting that the pitches lacked the necessary conditions for high-speed, physical football. Kovac said, “This is more a golf green. You can putt here. It’s very short, not the grass we’re used to in the Bundesliga or other stadiums. When it’s too dry, it becomes sticky and difficult to play.”

The Dortmund manager challenged others to test the pitches firsthand, asserting, “I would like you to go out and test it and then see for yourself.”

Kovac also criticized the scheduling of matches, particularly the high temperatures during matches in Cincinnati and Atlanta, which reached around 45°C. He suggested that match times should be adjusted to later in the day to allow players to perform at their best and for fans to enjoy more vigorous and engaging football.

Regarding the tournament logistics, ticket prices fluctuated significantly for the semi-final between Chelsea and Fluminense, initially costing over £300, then dropping to around £10 in a matter of days.

The manager’s comments underscore concerns over playing conditions and logistics at the tournament, highlighting the impact of pitch quality and scheduling on performances and spectator experience.

Niko Kovac suggested the pitches resemble a golf green