Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed FIFA over their decision to have the Club World Cup. The German international left Liverpool after the 2023/24 season and is now the head of global soccer for Red Bull.
Red Bull Salzburg were one of the teams to qualify for the first year of the newly formatted tournament. The team was knocked out in the group stage but still played in three extra matches.
There have been concerns raised over the tournament, with weather conditions being a huge factor. Multiple matches have been suspended due to extreme heat, and some teams have had their substitutes remain in the dressing room during the first halves of games.
Klopp has been outspoken before about players’ rights and the workload they are now facing.
What did Klopp say about the Club World Cup?
Klopp condemned the tournament in an interview, saying, “It’s all about the game and not the surrounding events – and that’s why the Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard.
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“Last year it was the Copa [America] and the European Championship, this year it’s the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup. That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally.”
The increase in fixtures has proven to be a significant talking point amongst players. The schedule has become extremely congested, with no real break.
The Premier League and La Liga seasons concluded on May 25, and the Club World Cup began on June 14. Other leagues with teams included in the tournament also wrapped up around the same time.
Klopp emphasized the fears he has over player safety with the number of games they are playing. He said, “I have serious fears, that players will suffer injuries they’ve never had before next season. If not next season, then it will happen at the World Cup or afterwards.”
Injuries have been prevalent, with Rodri’s ACL injury coming in September for Manchester City. The player had previously talked of player strikes over the increased number of fixtures.
Most clubs will begin preseason training in the first or second week of July, with preseason friendlies rapidly approaching. As players have been called up for international duty or Club World Cup games, many players haven’t had an extended period of rest in between seasons.
