Jurgen Klopp has come under fire from Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov for his scathing comments on the Club World Cup format. The former Liverpool boss questioned the demands of the revamped tournament, but the 1994 Ballon d'Or winner wasn’t having it, suggesting that Klopp’s comments stemmed from RB Salzburg’s early exit and mocking his new Red Bull affiliation.
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Stoichkov slams Klopp’s complaints about Club World CupQuestions Klopp’s motives, cites Salzburg and Red Bull linksCalls tournament “prestigious” and vital for young playersFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Klopp, now Red Bull’s head of global soccer, recently slammed the new 32-team Club World Cup format, describing it as a damaging move for players and the football calendar. While the former Liverpool boss' criticism was widely shared among managers, former Ballon d'Or winner Stoichkov publicly rebuked the German during an interview at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, questioning his motives and memory.
AdvertisementAFPWHAT STOICHKOV SAID
Speaking to Marca and El Mundo, Stoichkov said: "I didn't expect Jurgen 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.
"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."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The revamped Club World Cup has faced a mix of praise and backlash. While it has delivered packed stadiums, high-quality football, and global exposure, the tournament has also sparked concern about fixture congestion and the toll on players' fitness. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca have also heavily criticised the tournament.
WHAT NEXT FOR THE CWC?
The Club World Cup continues to divide opinion among football’s elite, and with FIFA standing firm on the format, debates over its sustainability will likely intensify. As Klopp settles into his new role off the pitch, his words will carry weight, but so will the rebuttals. Expect more big names to join the conversation as the tournament progresses and player welfare remains front and centre.
