'Club World Cup Has Destroyed Us': Pep Guardiola Worried About Man City's Potential Burnout; Lambasts FIFA Lead: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit out at FIFA's scheduling, claiming the upcoming Club World Cup in February could "destroy" his team ahead of the fast-approaching Premier League season.

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-06-30 11:23:29 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-11 08:18:44

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Manchester City has had a remarkable season, claiming the Premier League title and reaching the finals of the UEFA Champions League. However, City manager Pep Guardiola is worried that the team's success may have come at a high price, stating that the players are exhausted and the lack of rest could impact their performance in the upcoming season.

Guardiola has particularly lambasted the decision to hold the Club World Cup in February, arguing the tournament is unfair and poorly timed.

"The Club World Cup destroyed us. It destroyed us. Not just physically, but emotionally. We were exhausted," he told reporters. "When you are focused on one goal, to win the Premier League, the Champions League, and then you have to stop and you have to travel to the other side of the world to win a tournament that is not won in the past, it is so difficult."

"To play every three days, travel, change your body clock, and then get back and play again, it's a bit unfair, but it is what it is."

The Club World Cup, which features the champions from each of the six continental federations, as well as the host nation's league champion, has been dominated by European clubs, with Liverpool winning the last two editions in 2019 and 2021. City won the tournament in December 2021, shortly after being crowned Premier League champions for the 2021-22 season.

Guardiola has called on FIFA to revise the tournament's scheduling, suggesting it should be held during the close season in July.

"It should be after the season is over, like the Olympics," he said. "You have three weeks off and then you go and play the Club World Cup. It would be proper."

"But I think FIFA doesn't think a lot about the players and the managers, and that's why it's not appreciated."

Despite Guardiola's complaints, FIFA has remained firm in its stance, promising a significant revamp of the Club World Cup starting in 2025. The competition will feature 32 teams and be held every four years, taking place in the summer months.

For now, City must contend with the upcoming tournament in February, an unwanted distraction as they prepare for another grueling Premier League campaign.

With the start of the new season fast approaching, City will hope to have their stars back fresh and ready to defend their crown, despite Guardiola's reservations over player recovery.

Conclusion:

Pep Guardiola's complaints have put the spotlight on FIFA's scheduling and the demands it places on players. The City manager is not alone in thinking the Club World Cup, though it may boost FIFA's profile, is deeply unfair to players and hurts the sport. With a new season and an intense race to come, Guardiola will hope his players can recover quickly and defend City's Premier League crown.

Go!