Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique on Thursday described the expanded Club World Cup, set to feature 32 teams next year, as an “exciting competition” while acknowledging the need to limit player workloads.
“Once every four years there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup,” he said, amid growing concern from players and coaches alike over the increasing number of fixtures.
The 2025 Club World Cup will be held in the United States from June 15-July 13, with 12 European clubs set to take part in a tournament that has only traditionally involved the six continental champions and host nation.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri warned earlier this month that leading players could go on strike over the number of games they’re being asked to play.
The Spain international is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering ligament damage to his right knee at the weekend.
“Of course those involved must speak,” said Luis Enrique.
“I understand and I agree that the calendar is very busy, particularly that of Manchester City. Ours is less so because we have two fewer teams in our league and therefore four fewer matches.”
“A less hectic calendar would favour everyone,” he added.
Author
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 days agoCourtois ‘proud’ as sun sets on Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’
Thibaut Courtois said he was proud of Belgium's fabled "Golden Generation" on Friday as...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 4 days agoSpain vs France a World Cup ‘final before the final’: De la Fuente
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said on Friday that the World Cup semi-final...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 5 days agoMbappe warns ‘a long way to go’ for France at World Cup after reaching semis
France captain Kylian Mbappe insisted Thursday his team were not getting carried away about...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 5 days agoDeschamps hails Mbappe after superstar fires France into World Cup semis
France coach Didier Deschamps paid tribute to forward Kylian Mbappe after he scored his...
By AFP