Sky Sports Journalist Criticizes Jurgen Klopp Over Club World Cup Comments
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has faced backlash from Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol after expressing strong disapproval of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Klopp had labeled the expanded tournament “the worst idea ever implemented in football.”
The tournament, which is set to take place in the U.S. during the summer break, has sparked debate among football insiders. Klopp dismissed its value, calling it “a pointless competition” and went as far as to say, “Whoever wins it will be the worst winner of all time because they’ll have played all summer and then gone straight back into the league.”
He also criticized the event’s organization, claiming it was poorly planned by individuals lacking real-world football experience. “There are people who have never been involved in the day-to-day business of football and are now coming up with ideas,” he said.
Solhekol Fires Back: “If You Don’t Like It, Don’t Watch It”
Responding to Klopp’s comments, Kaveh Solhekol pushed back, saying, “Not everyone shares Klopp’s view. And to him, I’d just say — if you don’t like the Club World Cup, don’t watch it! It’s a free world. Watch Netflix, play padel, go for a walk, have a nice dinner — nobody’s forcing you to watch Chelsea vs. Benfica.”
Solhekol also emphasized the financial benefits clubs gain from the tournament, particularly as they try to stay compliant with financial regulations while still strengthening squads. He pointed out that owners like Todd Boehly are likely pleased with the opportunity both competitively and commercially.
He added: “Klopp is now a major figure at Red Bull. Does he object to RB Salzburg’s participation? Because they likely made between £20-40 million just for showing up in the group stage.”
Even though Klopp raised concerns over the tournament’s potential impact on player welfare, Solhekol noted that RB Salzburg, who didn’t progress beyond the group stage, expressed gratitude toward the organizers.
Solhekol concluded: “Let’s be honest — if these teams weren’t here, their players would probably just be on vacation. But then they’d be heading off on pre-season tours to the U.S. or Asia anyway. Football isn’t just a sport anymore — it’s a business. If you don’t like it, don’t watch it.”
Guardiola Takes a Different View: “It’s a Privilege”
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds a contrasting perspective. “I feel like it’s a privilege to be here,” he said. “People ask, ‘Why should we be here?’ But this won’t happen again for four years, and to get here again, you have to win major trophies.”
Guardiola expressed admiration for the passion of South American teams and fans, saying he enjoys seeing how Brazilian and Argentinian sides celebrate and come together. “This is what football is about. I love it. I invite them, I respect them. Their fans show more passion than many European ones. We have to embrace this competition.”
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