Kovac said: "The organization of the event needs to be adjusted in some aspects. I think the key point is the kick-off time. Players should not play under the scorching sun at noon, and that kind of high temperature should not go out. But players have to show their best condition under this condition. We will wait and see how the World Cup will be arranged next year, and we must really consider the players."
"We played two games in Cincinnati, at 12 noon and 3 pm the next day. The temperature of the venue was 45 degrees Celsius. Imagine the experience of running in such high temperatures. Today there is also 35 degrees Celsius, with limited improvement. I suggest postponing the kick-off time. Fans want to see a wonderful offensive battle, but this is difficult to achieve in hot weather."
Kovac also criticized the quality of the turf at the Metropolitan Stadium, believing that it does not meet the standards of other venues in the tournament and is not as good as the Bundesliga standards. He joked that the length of the turf was comparable to that of a golf green.
"I can compare the venues in Cincinnati and Atlanta. The grass here is completely different, you can even put it here, the grass is too short. This is completely different from the common turf in the Bundesliga. The amount of watering is obviously insufficient. High-speed offensive and defensive battles require suitable weather, but such a dry field is unbelievable, the ball will stick and be difficult to describe. You can tell on the spot."
Previously, Palmeiras coach and Estewan also criticized the turf condition.
Estewan said: "The turf should be watered more, as the slow ball speed affects the pace of the game. This is a problem for both sides. Later, it rained and rolled slightly better."
Palmelas coach Abel Ferreira said: "The turf was very dry at the beginning. I don't know which rain god to ask for, but the rain allowed us to play normally."