Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola delivered a nuanced riposte to Jürgen Klopp’s explosive condemnation of FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, acknowledging his old rival’s concerns over player welfare while vowing to seize glory in the tournament he called “a proud opportunity.”
Klopp, now Red Bull’s ‘Head of Global Soccer’, had launched a scathing broadside in Welt am Sonntag, labelling the 32-team summer event the “worst idea ever implemented in football.” He warned the congested calendar left players “no time to recover mentally or physically,” risking injury crises.
Guardiola, whose City side face Al-Hilal on Monday in the last 16, struck a diplomatic tone tinged with defiance:
“I know where Jürgen’s idea comes from. We fought side-by-side for years at UEFA meetings – demanding rest, fewer games, better quality. His argument? I’d defend it too. But we’re in a job: we follow FIFA, UEFA, the leagues. And I’ll tell you this – many complain because they’re not here.”
The Catalan’s retort cut to football’s financial reality:
“If their team qualified, their media would be here. Their fans would travel. Their income would soar. Suddenly, they’d love this ‘worst idea’.”
Yet Guardiola conceded unease. With rivals Liverpool and Arsenal resting while City chase a seventh Premier League crown in nine seasons, fatigue looms:
“Thomas Tuchel says they have an advantage? I try not to think about it – otherwise I’d drown in anxiety. We focus on the good vibes here, the competition… and winning it.”