'What most of us feel' - Arne Slot sends support to Pep Guardiola as Man City prepare for FIFA Club World Cup but Liverpool get summer off

Slot endured a remarkable journey as Liverpool boss in his maiden season in England as the Reds became the English champions for a record equalling 20th time after beating Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield last week. The Dutch manager is now looking forward to a well-deserved break in the summer, while clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City will head to the US to participate in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup.

Slot cherished the idea that his players would get a break the entire summer before they prepare for their defending campaign next year. In comparison, the Blues and the City stars will see their holidays cut short due to participation in the new competition. The Dutchmen, however, wished Pep Guardiola and his team luck before they head to America next month.

Speaking to reporters, Slot said: "In this moment, eight out of ten people who work in this business - maybe even ten out of ten - will feel is it really necessary to have another tournament for these players that already had such a long season. I don't think it's healthy for players to only have maybe one week off, then go into the tournament, then have one week off and start the whole Premier League season again. That can never be good for the health of a player."

Guardiola had earlier criticised the packed schedule, which is taking a toll on the players' fitness, and Slot has now backed the Spanish coach's statement. The Reds boss added: "I think that is probably what most of us feel. Maybe when the tournament has been played or done well, we’ll all feel we would love to have been there, because what a great occasion. But now we have our opinion, and I think most people in football have the same opinion, pfft, another tournament. We have to wait and see what it means for the long-term for these teams, hardly having any days off."

The newly crowned champions are all set to visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday as they take on Chelsea in a Premier League clash.