Pep Guardiola has criticised the timing of the newly expanded Club World Cup, warning it could negatively affect Manchester City and other top European clubs heading into the new season.
Guardiola’s comments reflect the growing unrest among participating managers about the expanded 32-team Club World Cup.
City, who played until the end of May due to the congested Premier League calendar, were only afforded five days of rest before resuming training ahead of their Club World Cup Round of 16 clash against Al-Hilal on Monday.
Guardiola admitted that the tournament’s placement in the summer schedule leaves little room for rest or proper preparation.
“I try not to think about it, otherwise I will be so anxious,” Guardiola said when asked about the toll on his squad. It takes weeks and months to prepare for the league, but that’s been shortened because of the Club World Cup.”
The Spaniard also hinted at a potential burnout after the campaign.
Maybe in November, December, or January, you ask me and I’ll say: ‘Listen, we’re a disaster. We’re exhausted. The World Cup destroyed us.’ I don’t know. It’s the first time this 32-team format has happened, so we’ll see.
Despite the outcry about the timing in the CWC, Guardiola said he would maximize his time in America and enjoy every moment of it before his team gets eliminated in the knockout stage.
“I try to be relaxed, to enjoy the days here, the good vibes that we have, the competition and to try to win it,” he said. Most importantly, to recover and rediscover what we were. That’s my main goal in this tournament.”
As earlier reported by Softfootball, Manchester City’s quest for Club World Cup glory still continues in Orlando, and Pep Guardiola is preparing to rotate his squad heavily for the last-16 tie. After a convincing 5-2 victory over Juventus in the group stage, Guardiola is expected to make up to eight changes, taking full advantage of the squad’s depth as they push for a place in the next round.
Three European clubs have already advanced to the Club World Cup quarterfinals, with Manchester City hoping to join them following Monday’s clash with Al-Hilal. PSG were the latest to secure their place, cruising past Inter Miami with a 4-0 win on Sunday.
