Guardiola responds with understanding to Klopp's criticism of the Club World Cup

Recently, former Liverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp voiced criticism of the Club World Cup, calling it “the worst idea ever implemented in football.” These remarks soon reached his long-time Premier League rival, Pep Guardiola.

Details: The Manchester City manager responded to Klopp’s comments with understanding, while also emphasizing that coaches don’t make the rules—they simply follow them. He admitted he doesn’t want to dwell on the consequences right now.

Quote: “Klopp didn’t surprise me—I know where his criticism is coming from. We’ve often debated the overloaded schedule. He’s right: players need more rest to maintain quality, but coaches only follow the tournament rules, we don’t set them.

Many complain about the tournament simply because they’re not involved. If they were here, they’d be happy, earning, enjoying the atmosphere. Of course, the ideal scenario would be to have two months off, but it is what it is.

I try not to think about the consequences. Maybe in the winter we’ll feel the fatigue and things could go wrong. But while we’re here, we need to focus on the positives, on the atmosphere, and try to win the tournament,” Guardiola said.