Jurgen Klopp fears the congested schedule could have serious consequences at next year’s World Cup.
Since the decision to expand the Club World Cup into a large-scale, 32-team tournament, the competition has faced intense criticism. And as the new format unfolds, that criticism is only growing louder. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been especially blunt in his condemnation of those who pushed for this expanded event.
The experienced and highly successful German coach called the new Club World Cup “the worst tournament in football history” in an interview with a German newspaper. He pointed out how players are already struggling under a packed schedule — and this tournament just adds to their burden.
“It’s a meaningless competition. Whoever wins it will be remembered as the worst winners in football history because they’ll play all summer long and then immediately return to their league campaign.”
“There are people who have never been involved in the daily grind of football, yet they’re the ones coming up with these ideas.”
Previously, the Club World Cup was an annual event featuring the top clubs from each continent. Now, that traditional competition remains under the name FIFA Intercontinental Cup, while this 32-team mega-tournament will take place every four years.
Klopp’s main concern is that with so many tournaments, players simply aren’t getting enough rest.
“There are far too many matches. I fear we will see far more injuries next season than ever before. If not then, it will definitely happen at or after the World Cup.”
Next year will also mark the first 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — a tournament sure to further test players’ stamina and endurance.
