Club World Cup: Guardiola backs Klopp's criticism

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·30. Juni 2025

Club World Cup: Guardiola backs Klopp's criticism

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Club World Cup: Guardiola backs Klopp's criticism

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After Jürgen Klopp's scathing remarks, calling the new Club World Cup format the "worst idea ever implemented in football", Pep Guardiola has now echoed a similar stance.

Before the round of 16 clash between Manchester City and Al-Hilal, scheduled for Tuesday, Pep Guardiola expressed his support:

When players and coaches can rest, quality is higher. I understand Jurgen and I respect him.

Headlining the Camping World Stadium this evening! 🇺🇸 🩵 #FIFACWC | LIVE and FREE on https://t.co/qHE6dSCgcV
– Montag, 30. Juni 2025

Although his team dominated the group stage in the United States with three victories, Guardiola acknowledged the toll this tournament could take on the rest of the season:

Maybe in November, December, or January, we'll be exhausted. The Club World Cup will have drained us.

He did, however, add some perspective:

This is our job. We follow what FIFA, UEFA, or the Premier League decide. Coaches don't create the competitions.

With the Premier League restarting on August 15, the Catalan manager knows the real challenge will be keeping his squad competitive despite a packed schedule.