Guardiola ‘understands' Klopp's Club World Cup criticisms, trying not to worry about possible ‘disaster' season

New York Times

12 hours ago

Pep Guardiola says he understands Jurgen Klopp's criticisms of the Club World Cup but is trying not to think of how the shorter break could potentially 'destroy' his team next season.
Former Liverpool manager Klopp, who is now Red Bull's head of global soccer, was speaking about player care and development this week when he called it a 'pointless' tournament and the 'worst idea ever implemented in football'.
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Klopp's comments came despite Red Bull Salzburg being part of the competition before their elimination in the group stage.
'Listen, I fought a lot with Jurgen many, many times. I know where his idea comes from,' said Guardiola. 'We fought a lot in England, and also when we went to the UEFA meetings, and especially when we discussed the Premier League calendar, and how to add more quality to it. (We discussed) giving the managers and players more rest, because that's how you add more quality.
'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. 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 or Serie A rules. As managers, we don't organise the competitions. Once we are here, we are proud.'
Guardiola was Klopp's rival was eight years in England but believes some critics of the tournament would think differently if they were competing in the United States.
'Many, many teams complain about these competitions because they are not here, otherwise they might love being here,' he said. '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. And we deserve what we have done in the past to be here. Once we are here, let's do our best possible.'
England manager Thomas Tuchel stated that he believes Liverpool and Arsenal will have a 'huge advantage' over Man City and Chelsea because they do not have these additional games to handle.
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Despite his enthusiasm for the newly-expanded competition, Guardiola is aware that the work load could have a delayed impact on his players.
'I try not to think about it otherwise I would get too anxious,' he said. 'Instead, I try to relax, enjoy the days here and the good vibes that we have, the competition and we try to win it.
'After this, let's see what happens. Let's see what happens after the final, we can rest and take the time that the Premier League has allowed us to rest and then we will see.
'Maybe in November, December or January it will be a disaster, we are exhausted and the World Cup has destroyed us. I don't know but it's the first time in our lives that this has happened.
'Mentally I think in the past the players have played in World Cups or European Championships for their national teams so it happens sometimes. You need a rest mentally sometimes, you can recover and then we will see when we come back.'
Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)