Pep Guardiola Agrees With Klopp Over “Worst Idea Ever” Tag On Club World Cup

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has backed Jurgen Klopp’s comment that the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup tournament is the “worst idea ever implemented.”

Note that the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features 32 teams for the first time in the history of the competition, and the tournament runs for nearly a month.

While commenting on the revamped competition, Klopp stressed that the ongoing tournament has prevented players and officials from having a break ahead of next season.

Guardiola, who is currently preparing his players to face Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16, said he wasn’t surprised by Klopp’s comments.

Guardiola recalled that while Klopp was the manager of Liverpool, he and the German tactician had always spoken against the overloaded schedule.

Pep Guardiola said (via @TouchlineX): “We have fought together many times, especially when it came to deciding the calendar and pushing for more quality.

“When players and managers get proper rest, the quality of football improves.

“I wasn’t surprised by what he said. I understand and respect him. We have had an incredible relationship over many years as rivals, and I get his argument.

“But at the same time, we are in a job where we follow FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League, all the competitions.

“Managers don’t organise the calendar. Everyone has their role, and others are the ones who organise these tournaments.”