Siboldi concerned Juárez vs Tigres was played in 40 degrees heat
The Uruguayan coach was disappointed to come away with a draw, and underlined the dangers of playing in extreme conditions.
Tigres could only take a point from their visit to Juárez - it ended 1-1 at Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez on Saturday, after a scrappy game that wasn’t helped by the torrid conditions. Afterwards, visiting coach Robert Dante Siboldi voiced his concerns about the dangers of playing a match in extreme heat.
The game had in fact been rescheduled as to not clash with the broadcast of Mexico’s Gold Cup clash with Costa Rica. Siboldi however, argued that it could have been rescheduled for later when conditions would have been more suitable for the players and the fans.
“It’s very dangerous [to play a football match in high temperatures]. Fortunately the referee allowed us to have a couple of periods in each half when the players could hydrate. Playing in 40°C heat is very difficult for both teams - conditions were the same for both but I think it’s risky, the game could have been rescheduled. If kick-off changed for the national team’s match, then we could have played later. We could have perfectly played at 10 at night and in a more pleasant climate, it could have been a more dynamic game and with better football”, Siboldi told reporters in his post-match press conference.
As for the result, the Uruguayan coach admitted that he was disappointed that his team were held for the second week running. Tigres have taken two points from the first two games of the tournament and Siboldi hopes the first win of the Apertura 2023 arrives soon.
“It was a game of two halves. During the first half, we had our opponent under control, we generated chances on goal and we scored. We could have extended our advantage in that first half, but the second was more even. Our rivals took advantage of the only chance they had all game and levelled the score. We’re a bit unhappy about that because we came here intent on taking all three points and we couldn’t, given the circumstances - due to the temperature issue. All things considered, it’s a good result but we are not satisfied because we came here to win. I have confidence in those who are playing now and they will continue to improve. Today, they lacked the rhythm of the game and I am sure that they take advantage of the chances we generate in the next games, when we have a full squad,” he concluded.
Tigres will rest on Sunday before starting their preparations for the next game - at home to León on Saturday, the final game before the Liga MX takes a break for the Leagues Cup.