(foto: Screenshot)
Arne Slot wished Pep Guardiola luck for Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup while expressing concern over player fatigue, as Liverpool enjoy a summer off.
Arne Slot has sent his support to Pep Guardiola and Manchester City ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, while expressing concern over the packed football calendar.
The Liverpool boss capped off a dream debut season by winning the Premier League title, guiding the Reds to a record-equalling 20th championship after a 5-1 win over Tottenham. Now, his players will enjoy a full summer break, unlike Chelsea and Manchester City, who will head to the United States for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup.
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 who already had such a long season?”
“I don’t think it’s healthy for players to have maybe one week off, then go into the tournament, then have one week off and start the Premier League season again. That can never be good for the health of a player,” Slot added, echoing Guardiola’s earlier concerns.
The Dutchman acknowledged that opinions might change once the tournament is played: “Maybe when the tournament has been played well, we’ll all feel we would love to have been there, because what a great occasion. But now… most people in football feel, pfft, another tournament.”
Liverpool will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as they continue their post-title celebrations in the Premier League.