Yes, there was tension in the press conferences. Although a translator was available, only a couple brief statements were issued in English despite that Leonardo delivered long empassioned speeches in Italian and entertained heated dialogue with Italian reporters.

To my knowledge, the only translator translated none of the mixed zone players’ lengthy comments into English.

The scaffolding in the end zone was outrageous and in addition to the schedule, I understand there were bad feelings there.

The last friendly for Chelsea was in Arlington (Dallas), Texas. Where they flew on Saturday from Baltimore.

Perhaps Mr. Ancelotti didn’t complain about the frequent flier miles since the Blues won 4 on the trot…

Leonardo is not Italian; he is Brazilian. But as Oguchi Onyewu said on Saturday, “He speaks about 25 languages.”

With regards to the stadium atmosphere in other places, Carlo Ancelotti complained about the celebrities who sat near the bench at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I also read that Jose’ Mourinho and Frank Arneson of Chelsea had a bust up in the tunnel at the Rose Bowl. Where the Special One also refused to speak with media after the game. I thought ESPN would have another interview with him, but apparently, he was the Silent One during the tour.

In Baltimore, they played public service announcements throughout the match. It was the first soccer friendly ever at M&T Bank Stadium (an NFL venue), but they should have known better. But I read today that the Baltimore organizers (mostly the Ravens NFL team who sold the tickets) were very pleased and want future games there.

Overall, as you noted, the tournament was a tremendous success. But if they are going to advertise the best stars to an American audience, they need to make an appearance. Sunday in Dallas, I believe that Anelka, Drogba, Lampard, and Terry did not feature at all for Chelsea. Part of the problem was playing on two days rest in far-flung places. Chelsea flew to Seattle, Washington, then down to Los Angeles, across the continent to Baltimore, and then up the East Coast to Boston. Four games in eight days.

Leonardo complained, but to Milan’s credit, Ronaldinho and Alessandro Nesta played four times in seven days. As you noted, Onyewu, a crowd favorite, played in all three games, and received a great ovation in Baltimore (he grew up about an hour away.)