Manchester City have booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup after bagging three straight victories in the group stage.
The Club World Cup has been on the receiving end of criticism, especially with regard to the competition hampering the players’ and managers’ rest ahead of the upcoming campaign.
In a recent interview, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expressed his opinion (comments via BBC Sport) on the competition, referring to it as “the worst idea ever implemented in football.”
“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. People who have never had or do not have anything to do with day-to-day business anymore are coming up with something. There is insane money for participating, but it’s also not for every club,” he said.
“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,” added the German manager.
Now, Man City head coach Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on Klopp’s comments on the Club World Cup.
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What did Man City boss Pep Guardiola say?
Following his nine-year managerial stint at Liverpool, Klopp has been the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH since January 2025. One of their teams, Red Bull Salzburg, qualified for the Club World Cup as well and could not advance further than the group stage.
Speaking ahead of Man City’s upcoming knockout stage match, Guardiola addressed Klopp’s recent comments and stated (comments via The Guardian) that he understands the 58-year-old’s opinion.
However, Guardiola also mentioned that managers need to play by the rules and regulations, and the teams who ‘complain about these competitions’ are the ones who do not qualify for them.
“I know where his idea comes from. We fought a lot [together] when we went to the Uefa meetings [or] especially when we discussed the Premier League calendar, about how to add more quality to it. [We discussed] giving the managers and players more rest. So his comments [on the Club World Cup] didn’t surprise me a lot. I understand him. I respect him. I’ve had an incredible relationship with Jurgen for many years as rivals,” he said.
“Now he’s stepped back from that position [as a manager] and I understand his argument, because I would defend his argument as well. At the same time, as managers we are in a job. We follow the Fifa, Uefa, Premier League rules,” added Guardiola.
“Many, many teams complain about these competitions because they are not here, otherwise they might love being here. They would have their media and supporters here, and there would be income to be here, and they would be happy to be here. Of course, it’s not an ideal situation for the manager. Would I love to have two months to prepare for next season? Yes. Would I love to be refreshed for next season? Yes. But it is what it is,” the Catalan manager concluded.
Guardiola & Co. are now headed to face Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup on June 30 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
