Guardiola responds to Klopp’s Club World Cup criticism | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has responded to Jurgen Klopp’s claims that the FIFA Club World Cup is the “worst idea ever implemented”.

The two managers were rivals for many years, competing for titles firstly with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and then with Manchester City and Liverpool.

Guardiola admitted: “We fought together many, many times. I know where this idea comes from.

“We fought a lot in England when we went to UEFA meetings, especially the Premier League, to decide the calendar and try to get more quality.

“When the players and managers rest, you have more quality. It doesn’t surprise me a lot.

“I understand him and respect him. We had an incredible relation for many years when we were rivals, and I understand his argument. I would defend as well.

“But at the same time, we are in a job and follow FIFA, UEFA, Premier League, Serie A, every competition. The managers are not going to organise the competitions. Everyone has his own role, people organise this competition.”

After winning every game in the group stage, City will face Saudi side Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup round of 16.

Guardiola continued: “Once we’re here, we’re so proud because many, many teams complain about this competition because they’re not here.

“Otherwise they would love to be here. To have their media here, their supporters here, income in terms of money. They would be happy to be here.”

The relationship between Guardiola and Klopp has also been a talking point recently because of Pep Ljinders. The Dutch coach spent many years at Liverpool as Klopp’s assistant but he has recently joined Guardiola’s staff in that same role.

On his new assistant, City’s boss insisted: “He’s opened my eyes in many things in a short time. It’s happened for many years from all the assistant managers I’ve had, always I try to drink from their knowledge.

“I need the people like last season with Juanma (Lillo), in the past with Mikel (Arteta), with Enzo (Maresca), with Dome [Torrent], with Rodo (Borrell). All the assistants help me. Always it’s, ‘What is your opinion? What would you do? How would you do it? What drill will you make?’

“That is what it’s all about, it’s nice, and now we have experience with Kolo (Toure), with James (French), with Pep (Lijnders). And every time he adds something, I say, ‘Wow! This could be good! We could make this step, we can be better’, and that is how the world works.

“Not just all the time the same, you have to open your mind, and be open to other minds, other people.”