Jürgen Klopp has voiced strong disapproval of football`s governing bodies, including FIFA and UEFA, for progressively burdening the annual schedule with an increased number of competitive fixtures. This, he contends, exacerbates the already severe problem of fixture congestion, which many believe poses a significant threat to player well-being.
In a comprehensive interview with CBS Sports, Klopp, who now leads Red Bull`s global soccer operations, highlighted several tournaments, particularly focusing on the recently expanded Club World Cup held in the U.S. last summer. This tournament saw an increase from eight to 32 participating teams, a change that drew considerable criticism from figures such as Klopp, who are keenly aware of the toll player fatigue takes.
“The physical demands on players are incredibly taxing,” Klopp stated. He pointed to recent injury crises at top clubs, remarking, “Paris Saint-Germain suffered injuries, and now Chelsea also has too many. Who contested the Club World Cup final, I wonder? Ah, Chelsea versus Paris! What a coincidence! It`s simply excessive, but the full impact isn`t widely understood yet. I don`t want to tempt fate, I`m not a mystic, but based on my experience, this constant intensity is unsustainable.”
During the summer, Klopp effectively boycotted the Club World Cup, candidly admitting, “I managed perfectly fine without watching a single match.” He even abstained from watching Red Bull Salzburg`s games in the competition, despite the team now being under his organizational oversight since his move to Red Bull in January. Salzburg exited the tournament during the group stage after matches against Real Madrid, Pachuca from Mexico, and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
“No,” he recounted, “they were somewhat displeased about my stance. I`m usually not so direct, but this,” he emphasized with a bang on the table, “I genuinely felt it was unworkable and needed to stop, though I couldn`t express my true feelings publicly. It would be more impactful to converse with my microwave.”
The ex-Liverpool coach also criticized a recent CONMEBOL proposal to enlarge the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, intended to mark the tournament`s centenary. However, reports suggest that FIFA is not currently entertaining this expansion.
“At a time when players are already burdened with so many matches, the idea of a 64-team World Cup is introduced,” Klopp remarked. “Would that run from April to August, or what kind of competition would it be? Who would even play whom? It seems they simply can`t get enough, and that`s genuinely concerning.”
Klopp attributed the root of scheduling problems to the UEFA Nations League, which commenced in September 2018. This competition transformed international breaks, replacing friendly matches with high-stakes competitive fixtures. While UEFA has integrated the Nations League into qualifying pathways for the Euros and World Cup, Klopp contends it places unnecessary strain on both elite players and national team coaches.
“The reality is, you simply cannot afford to rotate the world`s top players,” he asserted. “I was absolutely furious – as we say in Germany, `on the trees` – when they introduced the UEFA Nations League. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, I believe, was fond of me until I began criticizing UEFA. Now, there are no friendly games left. One might ask, `Why do we even have friendly games?` Because they`re beneficial! Players can play, they can prepare; we don`t always need a competition.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Liverpool coach, Klopp recalled how the “farcical” rules of the Nations League prevented his players from effectively managing their playing time during international windows.
“I`d inquire, `Does he truly need to go? He`s played so many matches already,`” Klopp shared, recounting discussions with national team coaches. “Various coaches would respond, `If he doesn`t play, we`ll lose and be relegated to Nations League B.` My reaction was, `There`s *another* division? Are you serious? Where did this come from? You can actually be relegated in the Nations League?` It`s just absurd. Honestly, there are countless ways they could improve this situation.”
Klopp`s recent remarks underscore a growing concern that has become central to contemporary football. The former Liverpool boss echoes sentiments from figures like retired player and CBS Sports analyst Thierry Henry, who similarly lambasted FIFA and UEFA for overloading the football calendar with extra competitive fixtures during a recent UEFA Champions League pre-match broadcast.
“For me, the solution is straightforward,” Henry articulated. “This isn`t about mere complaints, or arguing about player salaries. It`s about initiating a genuine, informative dialogue with the players` union – a proper discussion, not with former players. Don`t contact me, UEFA. Don`t contact me, FIFA. I`m no longer playing; I no longer understand the current physical demands. I recall how it felt, but I don`t experience it now. Instead, speak to Virgil van Dijk, speak to Mohamed Salah. Engage with them. Have a discussion with them. They are the ones actively involved today.”
