Pep Guardiola reveals fear that Club World Cup will 'destroy' Man City's season as he backs scathing Jurgen Klopp criticism of revamped tournament

The Cityzens have reached the last 16 of the Club World Cup, but Guardiola has admitted that he is concerned about the effect the tournament in the United States could have on his squad in the long-term. With some players entering the tournament off the back of just five days of rest, Guardiola admitted that the timing of the competition could derail their season before it even begins. He also lent support to former Liverpool boss Klopp, who recently slammed the tournament format.

Speaking to the media, Guardiola said: “I try not to think about it, otherwise I will be so anxious. We will rest the time the Premier League allows us to. And game by game, month by month, we will see. And maybe in November, December, January, ask me, Pep. I may say: ‘So listen, we are a disaster. We are exhausted. The World Cup destroyed us.’ I don’t know, but it’s the first time in our life that that’s happened [32-team CWC]. So we will see.

“So I try to be relaxed, to enjoy the days here, the good vibes that we have, the competition, to try to win it. And the most important thing, to recover, to find or re-find ourselves what we were. This is my main target in this tournament.”

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On Klopp's criticism, Guardiola added: “I know where his idea comes from. We fought a lot [together] when we went to the UEFA meetings [or] especially when we discussed the Premier League calendar, about how to add more quality to it. [We discussed] giving the managers and players more rest. So his comments [on the Club World Cup] didn’t surprise me a lot. I understand him. I respect him. I’ve had an incredible relationship with Jurgen for many years as rivals.

“Now he’s stepped back from that position [as a manager], and I understand his argument, because I would defend his argument as well. At the same time, as managers, we are in a job. We follow the FIFA, UEFA, and Premier League rules.

“Many, many teams complain about these competitions because they are not here; otherwise, they might love being here. They would have their media and supporters here, and there would be income to be here, and they would be happy to be here. Of course, it’s not an ideal situation for the manager. Would I love to have two months to prepare for next season? Yes. Would I love to be refreshed for next season? Yes. But it is what it is.”

The 2025 Club World Cup in the United States marks the first edition of the tournament's major expansion, and it's already under fire. For City, who have already endured long seasons chasing multiple trophies, the additional strain threatens to leave them exhausted before the 2025-26 campaign hits full swing.

City kick off their Club World Cup knockout campaign against Al-Hilal on Monday in the round of 16, with weather forecasts predicting rain and potential lightning delays. Guardiola shrugged off concerns about interruptions, but his main focus remains on getting through the tournament in one piece.