The renowned German coach, former manager of English "Liverpool" Jürgen Klopp criticized the format and idea of the Club World Cup taking place in the USA:
"The Club World Cup is a terrible idea, the worst I have ever seen in football. It was conceived by people who have never worked in football or have long lost touch with it.
Last year there were the Copa America and the European Championship, this year there is the Club World Cup, next year there is the World Cup. This means that the players have no proper rest — neither physically nor psychologically.
Yes, they make big money. However, an NBA player rests four months a year. And Virgil van Dijk has not had as many days off in his entire career. I have huge concerns about this tournament.
Footballers will suffer injuries that have never occurred before. We demand that in every match they give their all and show quality football. And this happens 70 or 75 times a year! This cannot go on," said Klopp, dissatisfied.