The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has once again come under fire, with legendary coach Jurgen Klopp the latest to weigh in. Following Klopp’s candid remarks, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola responded to the former Liverpool boss’s pointed criticism.
Klopp, now Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, has long been a vocal critic of soccer’s congested calendar, expressing concern over how the packed schedule impacts player health and match quality. In an interview with German outlet Welt am Sonntag, the former Premier League coach didn’t hold back in his assessment of the expanded Club World Cup.
“The Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in soccer. People who have never had anything to do with day-to-day business are coming up with ideas. Yes, some say the money is insane, but that’s not the case for every club. These tournaments can’t be played on the backs of players,” Klopp said in an interview with German outlet Welt am Sonntag.
Guardiola aligns with Klopp’s concern
Though Guardiola and Klopp were fierce rivals during their time managing City and Liverpool, respectively, they appear aligned on at least one topic—the growing demands on players. Speaking in a Sunday press conference, Guardiola backed Klopp’s broader message.
“With Jurgen, we fought together many, many years. I know where the idea comes from. We fought a lot in England—when we went to UEFA meetings, especially when the Premier League decided the calendar—to try to get more quality,” Guardiola said. “When players and managers can rest, the quality improves. So it didn’t surprise me. I understand him, I respect him, and we have a great relationship.”
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The City boss went on to acknowledge the limits of managerial influence when it comes to soccer’s governing bodies. “I understand his argument, and I would defend it as well. But at the same time, we’re in a job—we follow FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League, Serie A, every competition. The managers don’t organize the tournaments. Everyone has their role,” Guardiola stated. Despite the criticism, Guardiola reiterated his pride in competing at the Club World Cup, even if the toll on players is real:
“I’ve said many times that I’m proud to be here. At the end of the day, many teams complain about competitions because they’re not here. If they were, maybe they’d love to be here—their media, fans, and income would be happy,. Of course, it’s not an easy situation for a manager. I’d love to have two months before the next season, but it is what it is. We deserve to be here based on what we’ve done. Now that we are, we’ll try to do our best.”
City’s 2024–25 season has been far from dominant, largely due to a wave of injuries that has sidelined key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Rodri, and much of the defensive line. While Guardiola remains proud of competing on the world stage, he continues to voice concern that the relentless calendar could come at the cost of player welfare.
