The Club World Cup is proving to be a success in terms of attendance and viewership, with stadiums full in most matches and a more than notable sports level. However, it is also receiving some criticism for the tournament format, stoppages due to storms, and the strain it puts on the annual football calendar. "It is the worst idea ever seen in football, there are too many matches. I fear that next season the players will suffer unprecedented injuries
Former Liverpool coach received a response from Hristo Stoichkov at the Hard Rock in Miami, in an interview the Bulgarian gave to EL MUNDO and Marca. "I didn't expect Jürgen to say that. Maybe he's upset because Salzburg is no longer in the competition. When Liverpool played in the Club World Cup and received money, they didn't complain. More respect is needed," stated the former footballer.
"What does Klopp prefer, playing in China, Japan, or Indonesia, or participating in a prestigious competition like this one? Liverpool played in this tournament, and I didn't hear them complain. He suddenly complains now, maybe because Red Bull is no longer on the teams' jerseys. It is an important tournament, a competition where many young players are starting out and can participate in a significant tournament. For me, it is fantastic. These complaints need to be taken more seriously," Stoichkov declared to this newspaper.
The Ballon d'Or also addressed the criticisms regarding stoppages caused by weather alerts. "Maresca from Chelsea also complained about that, about the rain. We're not going to give a remote control to Infantino to stop the rain. They complain about anything."
One of the most widely publicized opposing opinions to the Club World Cup in recent days has been from Raphinha, who did not participate in this tournament because Barcelona did not qualify and complained about the lack of vacation after the season. "We have to give up vacations to play something we are obligated to. They didn't ask us," said the Brazilian, captain of Barcelona.
"But next year he will be here at the World Cup, let's not forget that. Too many matches? We used to have two substitutions, now they have five and one more in extra time. It's half the team. These complaints seem unfair to me, honestly. It's all fantastic to me; give me a ball now, and I'm eager to play," he joked.
One of the significant aspects of this World Cup is the financial prize for the teams. Something that can amount to 150 million for Real Madrid or Manchester City. "When players earn 20 million a year, they don't complain. They are calm then. They play on Saturday, rest in cups like the Copa del Rey or the Carabao Cup that are useless... They used to matter before, but now there are 5 Spaniards in the Champions League, another 5 English players... They're all there. What are they complaining about?".
However, Stoichkov believes that the Club World Cup should not have an impact on the Ballon d'Or: "It is an award that should be decided when the League and Champions League seasons end. For me, this year there are three candidates. Two from Barça, Lamine and Pedri, and one from PSG, Vitinha, who has had an incredible season."