Pep Guardiola is voicing strong concerns about player burnout due to the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, criticizing FIFA and its scheduling decisions. The Manchester City manager suggests the tournament could negatively impact his team.
Guardiola's Concerns
Guardiola has repeatedly lamented the congested fixture schedule and its impact on player welfare. He believes the expanded Club World Cup, with its month-long duration in the summer, further exacerbates the problem by eliminating the already limited rest period for players. He has also stated that the intense schedule could lead to more injuries. Guardiola has also pointed out that the lack of downtime harms players' performance and health.
The Manchester City boss has, in the past, been critical of scheduling matches within three days of each other. He has also voiced his concerns over FIFA's decision to expand the Club World Cup to 32 teams.
The Club World Cup Controversy
The revamped 32-team Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, has faced heavy criticism despite its thrilling matches and solid attendance at some fixtures. Concerns arise from extreme heat causing match delays, poor pitch quality impacting gameplay, and player fatigue due to the expanded format. Coaches and players alike have raised concerns on the same.
The tournament's expansion from seven teams to 32 has sparked backlash from players' unions, club managers, and football governing bodies. The Professional Footballers' Association has accused powerful organizations of using players as "commodities" in a race for more revenue and influence.
Adding to the controversy, FIFA's referees' chief has confirmed that rules around time-wasting and delays would be enforced, potentially leading to matches lasting close to 100 minutes. Kevin De Bruyne criticized these plans in 2023, when the Community Shield between City and Arsenal lasted 106 minutes.
Potential Impact on Man City
With just five weeks between the end of the Club World Cup and the opening weekend of the Premier League, City's players are working harder than they would like at this point in the summer, and with a World Cup in 12 months, it could be a long and brutal year for the squad. After a season with many injuries, extra measures will need to be taken to manage fatigue and avoid burnout.
Despite his concerns, Guardiola acknowledges that coaches must follow the rules of FIFA, UEFA, and the Premier League. He remains focused on aiming for victory in the Club World Cup but admits that the long-term impact on the team remains uncertain. He stated, "In November, December, or January, it could really turn into a disaster. We might feel that the Club World Cup has ruined us".
Former City goalkeeper David James believes it is a risk too far for players that are already in danger of burnout.
FIFA's Defense
FIFA has defended its decision to expand the Club World Cup, citing the longevity of stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as evidence that players can perform at the highest level for longer. Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, argues that advancements in sports science and recovery techniques can offset concerns about increased match load. He also claims that since the tournament is held once every four years, players will still have time to recover.
Other Perspectives
Jürgen Klopp, now Red Bull's head of global soccer, has been a vocal critic of the expanded Club World Cup, calling it "the worst idea ever implemented in football". He argues that the packed football calendar leaves players without sufficient time to recover, raising fears of increased injuries.
Despite the criticism, some within Manchester City are excited about the Club World Cup. New signings are giving fresh momentum to the team as they prepare for their first game in the tournament. Guardiola himself enjoys pitting his wits against managers and coaches from different federations, nations, and playing styles.
