FIFA Club World Cup could ‘destroy’ Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge, admits Pep Guardiola, after Jurgen Klopp criticism

Arguments over player welfare and game delays caused by the weather have swirled around FIFA’s revamped tournament this summer.

“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. 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.”

“In the end, it’s all about the game and not the surrounding aspects,” he said. “And that’s why the Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard.”

Guardiola said he “understands” Klopp’s critique but added that many teams may “love” being in City’s position at the FIFA tournament.

“I know where his idea comes from,” he said. “We fought a lot (together) when we went to the UEFA meetings, 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 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 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, 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.”

Guardiola’s side are through to the last 16 of the competition and play Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal on Monday in Orlando.