Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique on Thursday described the expanded Club World Cup, set to feature 32 clubs next year, as an “exciting competition” while acknowledging the need to reduce player workloads.
“Once every four years there’s this new, extremely exciting competition. Everyone wants to go to the Club World Cup,” Enrique said, amid rising concerns from players and coaches over the growing number of fixtures.
The 2025 Club World Cup will be held in the United States from June 15th to July 13th, with 12 European teams to take part in a tournament that only traditionally featured the six continental champions and host nation.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri warned earlier this month that top players could go on strike to protest the number of matches they’re been asked to play.
Rodri will miss the rest of the term due to a 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.
