Klopp Blasts Expanded Club World Cup, Citing Player Burnout Risk

Jürgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has strongly criticized the newly expanded Club World Cup, labeling it the "worst idea ever" in football.

In a recent interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Klopp expressed concerns that the tournament would place immense pressure on players already facing a congested schedule.

The revamped Club World Cup will feature 32 teams competing every four years. The event is scheduled during the preseason, specifically in the summers between major international tournaments.

"It's a pointless competition," Klopp stated. "Whoever wins it will be the worst winner of all time because they'll have played all summer and then gone straight back into the league." He further added, "There are people who have never been involved in the day-to-day business of football and are now coming up with ideas."

Klopp emphasized that players are increasingly deprived of adequate rest, cautioning that the addition of another tournament could be detrimental to their health.

"It's too many games. I fear that next season we will see injuries like never before. If not then, they'll come during or after the Club World Cup," the German coach warned.

"There's no real recovery for those involved, neither physically nor mentally," he added, highlighting the potential for burnout among players.

After a successful nine-year tenure with Liverpool, which concluded in 2024, Klopp now serves as the head of global soccer for Red Bull, the parent company of clubs such as RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls.

When questioned about a potential return to coaching, Klopp responded, "I don't want that anymore. I have a job now that fulfils me and is also intense. I don't sleep in the morning and I don't go to bed later at night, but I can organise my work much better," indicating his contentment with his current role.