‘Crazy’ Club World Cup scheduling slammed by ex-Chelsea defender | OneFootball

Former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair has bemoaned the congested schedule ahead of the Blues’ Club World Cup involvement later this month.

During the period when many teams are recuperating, Enzo Maresca and his players will jet off to the United States to compete in the modified global tournament.

32 teams from around the globe will take part, with England’s representatives Manchester City and Chelsea qualifying thanks to their recent Champions League successes.

‘Crazy’ Club World Cup scheduling slammed by ex-Chelsea man

Despite being in esteemed company, Sinclair isn’t entirely convinced that the club’s participation is wholly beneficial.

“The players need a break for sure,” the 53-year told The Football Faithful, in association with William Hill.

“You can’t go back-to-back with very little break. It’s not good at all.

“Even with a big squad, it’s crazy to have to play in June and then go all the way through ‘til the following May with little break.

“But the prize for winning this new tournament is so big, you are going to have to sacrifice somehow.”

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Chelsea will face Tunisian outfit Esperance, Brazilian giants Flamengo and Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC in the group stage.

With significant prize money at stake – reportedly north of £100 million – the south west London outfit will undoubtedly be striving to lift the trophy in New Jersey.

Sinclair believes the competition serves as an opportunity for some peripheral figures to take centre stage.

“I think this is where the squad is used in its entirety,” he said. “The youngsters will have a chance to play in this and prove they can be part of the first-team on a longer-term basis.

“The main bulk of the first-team can now go on a break and be ready for the back end of this tournament.

“With such a big prize for winning the trophy, you have to take this very seriously,” Sinclair added.

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The timing of the tournament has reignited the ongoing discourse surrounding the increasing workload for elite footballers.

Competitive matches being played in the sweltering July heat of the U.S. after a gruelling nine-month season could take a toll on the players and raises concerns over injury risks.

Like so many ex-professionals, Sinclair voiced his disgruntlement and offered a possible solution to mitigate the issues.

“I think you have to put a rule in place for players to have a guaranteed break at the end of their domestic season,” the former defender suggested.

“Otherwise you will get burn out given the high intensity in those games – so many competitions, plus international duty as well.

“The quality of the football will reduce too and players can pick up injuries.”

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