NEW JERSEY -- Two of the biggest clubs in Europe met on Wednesday night at MetLife Stadium, and while the English giants handled the situation admirably, one of the biggest stories of the evening involved in the venue itself.
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The Meadowlands stadium played host to Liverpool and Manchester City, with the Reds coming away with a 2-1 victory courtesy of a late penalty kick conversion from Sadio Mane.
However, the pitch was a big concern for both sides coming into the match due to the poor shape it was in.
Groundskeepers only laid the grass down early Wednesday morning, after MetLife Stadium had hosted a Taylor Swift concert three days prior.
Looks like a bear went for a run around the pitch tonight. #MCFCvLFC #ICC2018 pic.twitter.com/q9HvKoMWNL
— Matt Reed (@MattReedFutbol) July 25, 2018
For Man City boss Pep Guardiola, he simply hoped that none of his players would suffer any setbacks ahead of the new Premier League season.
“This [pitch] happened in my first season with Barcelona and and I was so angry, so upset,” Guardiola said following the match. “I grew up and am a more mature guy. I look to the other side. It is business. We pray before the game that there would be no injuries and that’s what happened.
“We know what we have to do but it is always the same. It is a business. For the teams, it doesn’t matter.”
