The Melbourne Cricket Ground "may be regarded as one of the great cathedrals of world sport, but certainly the coaches of some of Europe's biggest clubs don't rate the pitch," according to Michael Lynch of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.
Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez "started the chorus of criticism," and on Tuesday night Roma coach Rudi Garcia "followed suit" after his team's 2-2 draw with Man City.
With the event organizers hoping to bring the tournament to Australia again "it remains to be seen whether the quality of the stadium's playing surface becomes an impediment."
The largest grounds in Sydney and Brisbane "are also used extensively by the rugby codes, who also churn up the surface during the winter months." Garcia in part blamed City's second goal "on the unevenness of the surface."
Man City coach Manuel Pellegrini "clearly didn't think the surface passed muster either." Pellegrini: "When we complain about the pitch for me its for two reasons. First for the risk to have an injury and the second I think that fans deserve the best pitch you can to play a good game" (SMH, 7/22).
