WP_Query that filters based on custom relationship field

well, I guess the problem is I’m trying to compare an array with a value. I made a workaround that gets me to where I need to go:

<?php
  $client = get_field('client_name');
  $work_args  = array(
    'post_type' => 'work'
  );
  $work_query = new WP_Query($work_args);
  if ($work_query->have_posts()):
  while ($work_query->have_posts()): $work_query->the_post();
?>
        $client2 = get_field('client_name');
    if ($client[0] == $client2[0] ){
         /*do something here*/
    }
<?php
  endwhile; endif;
  wp_reset_query();
?>