Manuel Akanji speaks the truth on the upcoming Club World Cup and it’s hard to disagree with him | OneFootball

Manchester City begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in less than two weeks. They’ll take on Wydad at the Lincoln Financial Field in their opening Group G fixture. Ahead of the tournament, Manchester City’s Swiss centre-back Manuel Akanji has shared his feelings on the tournament. Akanji hasn’t held back as he has made his feelings known on the competition. It’s hard to disagree with Akanji’s thoughts, as he is merely pointing out the obvious.

Manuel Akanji has blasted the Club World Cup as it denies him and his teammates the opportunity to rest.

Speaking in Salt Lake City, where Switzerland are continuing preparations for their upcoming friendly against Mexico, Manuel Akanji spoke out about the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. In quotes relayed by the Mirror, the versatile defender said: “I have been a strong critic of this competition for some time now. We players would love to have some holidays, and some time for our bodies to rest.”

“My City teammates are not exactly overjoyed about the tournament either. But it’s now right in our faces, and there is nothing we can do about it.”

“If we take part, then of course we want to win it. But if we reach the final, then the time period for us to recover ahead of the new season will become even shorter.”

It’s hard to disagree with the Swiss international’s thoughts on the Club World Cup.

It is hard to disagree with Manuel Akanji’s thoughts on the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Football didn’t need another month-long tournament added to the calendar. The schedule is heavy enough for the players as it is. There does appear to be a complete lack of wisdom shown by FIFA in adding another expanded tournament to the equation. Especially when you consider that the European Championships and the Copa America were played last summer. There is also the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. There isn’t any real period for players to get the rest they need. Manuel Akanji has again pointed that out and it’s hard to disagree with his statement.

The FIFA Club World Cup does give Manchester City’s fringe and young players an opportunity to impress. Perhaps that is one benefit of the tournament being played. But on the other side of the coin is the toll the tournament will take on the players who play in the United States. That toll won’t be known until next season but Manuel Akanji isn’t wrong with his thoughts on the tournament. There is barely any time for players to rest as it is and that’s an issue that doesn’t appear that will be solved in the foreseeable future.