'Club World Cup Has Destroyed Us': Pep Guardiola Worried About Man City's Potential Burnout; Lambasts FIFA
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Pep Guardiola is worried about Manchester City's lack of rest before the new Premier League season due to the Club World Cup, fearing it could "destroy" them.
Is one trophy worth throwing away your entire season ahead?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed concerns about the lack of rest his side will get ahead of the new Premier League season, highlighting how their involvement in the Club World Cup could 'destroy" them.
City concluded their previous Premier League season on May 25 and began their Club World Cup campaign in Philadelphia just over three weeks later, on June 18.
This Saturday, they will face Al-Hilal in Orlando in the round of 16.
If City reaches the final on July 13, they will have one month to prepare for their new league campaign, starting on August 16.
Guardiola expressed uncertainty about the toll the Club World Cup would take on his squad, advising reporters to inquire about the impact later in the year.
'We might be a disaster; we could be exhausted. The World Cup may have drained us," he remarked.
'I don't know, but this is unprecedented for us. We will find out."
Echoing Jurgen Klopp's Concerns
Guardiola is not the first to voice concerns over player well-being due to the congested football schedule.
Earlier this year, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp criticised FIFA, calling the expanded 32-team event, held every four years during pre-season, football's worst idea.
'I think it's useless. It doesn't help if there is no summer break," Klopp stated in January, referring to players who participated in the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America, or other international competitions.
Guardiola echoed his former rival's concerns, stressing the importance of giving players sufficient rest.
'Jurgen, we have had many battles, especially during UEFA meetings or discussions about the Premier League calendar, to improve quality and ensure managers and players get more rest," Guardiola said.
'So his comments didn't surprise me. I understand his argument and would support it as well."
(with agency inputs)
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Siddarth Sriram
First Published:
June 30, 2025, 09:54 IST
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