Jurgen Klopp has expressed strong criticism of the FIFA Club World Cup, describing it as “the worst idea ever implemented in football.” In an interview held yesterday, the former Liverpool manager and current Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull group outlined his concerns about the increasing demands on players.
“Last year featured the Copa America and the European Championship. This year there is the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup,” said Klopp, highlighting the congested schedule.
He warned that the intense calendar leaves players with little opportunity for physical or mental recovery. “Players earn significant salaries, but even NBA athletes have four months of rest each year. Virgil Van Dijk has never had such a break in his career,” Klopp noted.
Looking ahead, he expressed concern about the long-term impact on player health, predicting a rise in injuries. “If it doesn’t occur next season, it will happen during the 2026 World Cup or shortly after,” he said. Klopp stressed the need for rest periods to maintain player performance and protect the sport’s overall quality and value.
