Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager and current head of global soccer for Red Bull, has expressed his strong disapproval of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. In an interview with the German publication Die Welt, published on Friday, Klopp described the tournament as “the worst idea ever implemented” in the sport.
The new format of the Club World Cup, set to feature 32 teams, takes place every four years during the preseason in the summers between major international tournaments. The 2025 edition, hosted by the United States, began earlier this month and is scheduled to conclude on July 13.
Klopp did not mince words, stating,
“It’s a pointless competition. 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 criticized the decision-makers behind the tournament, saying, “There are people who have never been involved in the day-to-day business of football and are now coming up with ideas.”
Concerns Over Player Welfare
Klopp, who managed Liverpool from 2015 to 2024, highlighted the potential risks to player health posed by the increased number of games. He noted that players today already face a demanding schedule, and adding another tournament could exacerbate the situation.
“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,” Klopp warned. He added,
“There’s no real recovery for those involved, neither physically nor mentally.”
The concern for player welfare is not new. Many in the football community have voiced similar apprehensions about the physical and mental toll on players due to congested fixture schedules. The addition of another major tournament only intensifies these concerns.
Klopp’s New Role and Future Plans
Since stepping down as Liverpool’s manager, Klopp has taken on the role of head of global soccer for Red Bull, overseeing clubs such as the New York Red Bulls in the MLS and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Despite speculation about a potential return to coaching, Klopp has made it clear that he is content in his current position.
When asked about a return to the coaching arena, 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 organize my work much better.”
Implications for the Future of Football
The expansion of the Club World Cup is part of a broader trend in football towards more frequent and larger tournaments. While this may increase revenue and global exposure, it also raises questions about sustainability and the long-term health of players.
Experts argue that football’s governing bodies need to balance commercial interests with the well-being of players. As the sport continues to grow, ensuring that players have adequate rest and recovery time is crucial to maintaining the quality and integrity of the game.
Looking ahead, the debate over the Club World Cup and similar expansions will likely continue. Stakeholders will need to consider the voices of those like Klopp, who bring a wealth of experience and insight into the conversation. The future of football may depend on finding a harmonious balance between growth and sustainability.
