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Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique backed Ousmane Dembele to win the Ballon d'Or after Champions League triumph.

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• Luis Enrique gives his verdict on Ballon d'Or winner
• Backed Dembele to win the Golden Ball
• PSG beat Inter to win the Champions League

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dembele contributed two assists as PSG thrashed Inter 5-0 to win their maiden Champions League title at Allianz Arena in Munich on Saturday. The Frenchman had a dream season with the Ligue 1 giants as he scored 33 goals across all competitions in 49 appearances and provided 15 assists.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As the 2024-25 campaign comes to a close, the chatter has started around who would win the Ballon d'Or this year. There are several contenders for the Golden Ball. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah had a stellar journey and helped his side clinch their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, while Barcelona stars like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal make a compelling case after helping the Blaugrana win three titles. PSG boss Luis Enrique, however, has no doubts that Dembele is the favourite to bag the prestigious award after the club's first-ever treble win.

• WHAT LUIS ENRIQUE SAID

  Speaking to reporters after the final, the Spaniard said: "I'd give the Ballon d'Or to Mr Ousmane Dembele. The way he defended tonight… only that can be worth the Ballon d'Or. This is how you lead a team. Goals, titles, leadership, defending, how he was pressing. Ousmane is my Ballon d'Or. No doubts at all."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR OUSMANE DEMBELE?

  The French winger will soon join the France national team for their upcoming Nations League semi-final against Spain on June 5.

Liverpool were put to the sword against Newcastle United, who fully deserved to lift the Carabao Cup title on Sunday evening and end an interminable domestic trophy drought.

Though the Reds gave everything against Paris Saint-Germain in the midweek Champions League exit, Arne Slot will lead something of an inquest into his squad’s shambolic account of themselves at Wembley, so disjointed, error-streaked and uninspiring.

Yet, once again in a crunch fixture, Liverpool’s forwards failed to impress, consigning Richard Hughes and the rest of the transfer committee to a period of reflection after only bringing Federico Chiesa – who scored a late consolation in the final – into this post-Jurgen Klopp world.

With the likes of Diogo Jota so abject in the final third right now, it does raise the question as to whether more could have been done.

Diogo Jota's performance vs Newcastle

It’s becoming a grumpy theme, but Jota looks a hollow shadow of himself at the moment, with his latest non-showing making it ten games without a goal for the Iberian striker, usually so dependable in front of goal.

He skewed a great chance to cancel out Dan Burn’s leaping opener before the break but chances have been few and far between over recent months, with profligacy seeping in to leave Jota clinging to the vestiges of his former quality.

Earlier this month, Sky Germany reported the 28-year-old is among the names deemed expendable by FSG heading into the summer. Instinctive finishing and sharp movements have been negligible, and he must truly be sweating for his starting presence in Slot’s long-term plans.

It’s hard to put the blame on any one man though. Ultimately, Liverpool’s many parts combined for something lacklustre, swept aside by strong-willed Newcastle.

However, there is another member of the frontline who will be dismayed with the outcome and indeed his contribution through recent matches.

Liverpool's biggest loser at Wembley

Liverpool’s talisman is set to finish the 2024/25 campaign with the most remarkable individual haul and potentially a top-flight title besides, but recent matches will have left him feeling numb as wider recognition has been tempered by team failings.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Mohamed Salah couldn’t hold back the tears as Liverpool bowed out of the Champions League, and while he was less outwardly emotional at Wembley, this past week will have cut deep for a world-class player hitherto regarded as the frontrunner for this year’s Ballon d’Or gold title.

But he can have few complaints. If the PSG and Newcastle ties were auditions for the fabled accolade (and they may be at that), Salah would have failed miserably, the imperious structure of his season reduced to rubble with some pretty dismal displays.

Raphinha, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have been snapping at Salah’s heels in the race for the Ballon d’Or. Now, candidly, you’d have to admit he’s taken quite the knock.

At Wembley, Salah was a shell of himself, failing to take a single shot or create one key pass for his teammates. He felt the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold to be sure.

The Liverpool Echo could do little more than brand him with a 3/10 rating, which tells the tale of perhaps his worst display in Liverpool red.

With 32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions this season, the Egypt superstar hasn’t exactly been misfiring this term, but you feel he had so much more to offer on these big stages. To steal a colloquial term: Salah ghosted when his team needed him most.

And they really did. Part of the right winger’s brilliance across the campaign has been because Slot’s frontline has been so out of sorts, Darwin Nunez, Jota and Luis Diaz having scored one goal between them across ten matches, each flattering to deceive.

It makes Liverpool’s 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League all the more remarkable, but highlights gaping holes in this talented squad just the same.

Suarez 2.0: Liverpool line up move for "the most complete CF in the world"

This free-scoring centre-forward would be an even bigger deal than Darwin Nunez at Liverpool.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 16, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo is, like eternal rival Lionel Messi, ready to "cash in" with a World Cup win, while being tipped to grace the 2034 finals.

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• Fired Portugal to Nations League final
• Showing no sign of slowing down at 40
• Ready to compete for global crown in 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  That would be some stretch for a man who is already 40 years of age, but Ronaldo has made a career out of bucking the odds and silencing any doubters. He is expected to star at a sixth global gathering of his remarkable career in the summer of 2026.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Portuguese GOAT has fired his country to another UEFA Nations League final, reaching 220 caps and 137 goals in the process, with there no sign of the Al-Nassr frontman slowing down as he continues to pursue major honours.

• WHAT JURGEN KLINSMANN SAID

  World Cup-winning former Germany international Jurgen Klinsmann told after seeing Ronaldo down his country in the Nations League semi-finals: "If he can deliver his work to the team, then there is no doubt about it that he can still play on – that he can play this summer and next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

  "This is just simply incredible. We have lost a little sight of him since he went to Saudi Arabia but even there he has delivered, he does his job.

  "Similar to what we saw in Qatar with Messi, at a later stage he cashes in with all his trophies – two Copa Americas and then the World Cup. He is still ready to cash in, maybe next summer at the World Cup with his Portugal team – which is a very exceptional side."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ex-Norway international and Premier League striker Jan Age Fjortoft is another backing Ronaldo to deliver on the grandest of stages for as long as he wants to delay retirement. He added: "He is 40 but still doing the job. We also have to praise the national coach of Portugal, that he finds his role in there.

  "Yes, you could see on the bench that they got even better when new players come on the pitch. But, hello, he has scored 137 goals – one, three, seven! When I grew up, when there was a player scoring 37 goals for their country, that was sensational, and this guy has 220 caps!

  "He will probably be playing in Saudi Arabia in 2034 this man! It's unbelievable what the guy is doing."

The Brazilian powerhouse scored two first half goals and getting three points despite a second half rally from Seattle

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• Botafogo defeat Seattle Sounders 2-1
• MLS side victim of two defensive errors
• Brazilian side fight off late comeback
• Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

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  TELL ME MORE

  Botafogo opened their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday evening at Lumen Field. The Brazilian side capitalized on two first-half defensive errors, and while the Sounders mounted a late push, they couldn’t avoid a disappointing home loss.

  It's a big result for the Brazilian side, who had to withstand a late rally from the home side.

  "First half was okay, but the second half we didn't cope with the intensity of the opponent," Botafogo manager Renato Paiva told DAZN after the match. "It was not a very good game for us, but the first game in these competitions is always difficult because of the anxiety and all of that. Three points, we won… It's most important."

  Left back Nouhou Tolo committed a needless foul 28 minutes into the match, and off the ensuing free kick, Botafogo scored the opener. A phenomenal ball from former international Alex Telles was delivered in the box, and 20-year-old Jair Filho smashed home to give them a 1-0 lead. Then, on the brink of halftime, current Brazil international Igor Jesus doubled their lead, scoring the eventual winner. The 24-year-old striker smashed home another header for the Brazilian side, but Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei appeared to be caught off-guard, as he was flat-footed as he dove towards what appeared to be a saveable attempt.

  After a poor first-half showing, the MLS side looked reinvigorated in the second half, having most of the momentum throughout the final 45 minutes – but their early deficit was too much to overcome. Midfielder Cristian Roldan, who was a member of the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad with the USMNT, did earn them a goal back in the 76th minute – but nothing else arrived, despite numerous chances.

  "Yeah, obviously exciting to be the first to score in a Club World Cup in our stadium. I mean, what an unbelievable experience.." Roldan said, reflecting on his goal. "We felt like we deserved more. We shot ourselves in the foot, letting two goals in in the first half, and an incredible performance, I think, from our team. We showed a lot of resilience."

  Botafogo sit second in Group B at the end of the day, trailing Ligue 1 side PSG in first, while the Sounders sit third above Atletico Madrid – though both are on zero points, and Seattle's spot ahead is due to criteria points. Roldan hopes his team will show improvement when it hosts Atleti on Thursday.

  "Intensity was there [against Botafogo]," he said. "The intensity was great. Mentality was great. Once we're down 2-0, we have nothing to lose, right? I hope to see that in our next game."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Sounders are the only MLS team to ever win the CONCACAF Champions League. In 2022, they claimed victory in the competition, which clinched their berth in the Club World Cup.

  Botafogo, meanwhile, clinched a spot after defeating Clube Atlético Mineiro in the 2024 Copa Libertadores final.

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  THE MVP

  Igor Jesus: The Brazil striker scored a splendid header for their second goal of the evening, but over the course of the entire first half, he was an absolute menace in the final third of the pitch. He kept the Sounders defense busy, rotating across the entire back line, while being the key figure for the Brazilian club in transition.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  Nouhou Tolo: The Sounders' veteran committed an egregious error on the opening goal, seeing yellow for a foul that led to the free kick assist for Botafogo's opener, and was hooked at halftime as a result.

  Just a terrible cameo for the Cameroon international, who has often been a reliable defender for the MLS franchise over the years. An evening to forget for the 27-year-old.

Manchester United are now looking to sell a £10 million-a-year player and have already identified his replacement, according to a new report.

Man Utd receive injury boosts during international break

The Red Devils have enjoyed a rather successful international break so far, as they didn’t have many players away on international duty and have seen striker Rasmus Hojlund among the goals once again, as he helped Denmark beat Portugal 1-0 last week.

Man Utd to battle Barcelona for £20m full-back with triple Dalot's assists

United are keen on signing a new defender but face strong competition from several European clubs.

By
Brett Worthington

Mar 25, 2025

United are not back in action until next Tuesday and the break has come at the right time to allow some of the injured players to return to training. Ruben Amorim had nine players out in the game against Leicester City, plus Patrick Dorgu suspended, but he could be set to receive a welcome boost.

Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are targeting a return to the matchday squad for the game against Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Ayden Heaven is also in contention for that game at the City Ground after coming out of his protective boot. Manchester Evening News report that their chances of playing against Forest rest on how they come through training this week.

Meanwhile, winger Amad Diallo teased supporters on Monday evening that he could be available sooner than expected. The Ivory Coast international damaged his ankle ligaments in training last month, and it was suspected that he would be out until the end of the season, but Amad could be back before the campaign comes to a close.

Man Utd desperate to shift Harry Maguire's wages

As Amorim prays that he has some of his key players back for the final run-in, INEOS are looking ahead to the summer transfer window and are keen to offload several players. According to TEAMtalk, Man United are now ready to sell Maguire and replace him with Jarrad Branthwaite.

The report states that the Red Devils have been trying to move the 32-year-old on over the past two transfer windows, but due to him earning £10 million a year at Old Trafford, clubs have backed out of any potential deal.

It goes on to add that United are now ‘desperate’ to sell Maguire, as they want to get his wages off their books and bring in money which can help them sign Branthwaite, who has been dubbed a “monster” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig.

Branthwaite is high on United’s list of targets, but Everton’s valuation may make it hard for United to sign the Englishman. So, the Red Devils will hope moving Maguire on can clear some money and space to bring Branthwaite to Old Trafford.

Maguire has been a United player since August 2019, and despite the negativity towards him, he has continued to be an important player at the back. He has played 28 times in all competitions this season and has started 12 games in the Premier League under Amorim so far.

This summer is a huge opportunity for Ruben Amorim to make the changes he wants to his Manchester United first-team squad, allowing for the best possible chance of success in his first full year at the helm.

During the January transfer window, the 40-year-old only had a couple of weeks to make changes to the side, allowing numerous players to depart the North West on loan.

Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony all departed the club for various temporary stints away, with it unknown whether any of the trio have a future at Old Trafford.

Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were the first additions of the Amorim era, with the pair both already excelling in the first-team, showing signs of being worth their respective transfer fees.

Hopefully he can continue his excellent early start in the transfer market this summer, potentially returning for a deal to land a player who he’s previously managed.

Man Utd’s potential move to land Viktor Gyokeres this summer

The 2024/25 Premier League season is yet to reach its conclusion, but the transfer rumours are already starting to gather momentum ahead of the summer.

United have already been touted as a possible destination for striker Viktor Gyokeres, who previously featured under Amorim during his time as Sporting CP manager.

The Swedish international has been in phenomenal goalscoring form over the last couple of months, notching a total of 40 goals in 41 outings across all competitions this campaign.

Gyokeres has registered a total of 83 goals in 91 appearances for the Portuguese outfit and is rumoured to be available for around the £60m mark this summer.

However, the club may have made a mistake in allowing one player to depart the club, possessing similar characteristics to the former Coventry City ace – highlighting the wrong call in allowing him to depart.

The former United ace who’s been like Gyokeres in 2024/25

Former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær is responsible for numerous impressive pieces of business which has seen the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo move to the club.

The Norwegian led the club to a second-placed finish in 2020/21, coming within touching distance of claiming the first league title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure – offering stability which has often been lacking in Manchester.

However, the 52-year-old also made the call to part ways with Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku in the summer of 2019, ending his two-year stint in the North West.

The Red Devils forked out a staggering £75m for his signature in the summer of 2017, looking to transform the club’s front line and edge them closer to a top-flight triumph.

He managed to find the net 27 times in his first year, before scoring 15 in the following year, leaving in a £73m deal to join Inter Milan and ending his short stint in Manchester.

However, the “unplayable” talisman, as dubbed by pundit Alan Shearer, has consistently scored goals everywhere he’s been since his departure six years ago, notching double figures in every single season.

He’s now plying his trade for Napoli in Serie A, with FBref ranking him as a similar player to Gyokeres based off their respective numbers from the current season – with the comparison understandable when delving into their figures.

Lukaku may have registered fewer goals to date, but he’s managed to achieve a higher shot on target accuracy rate – showcasing that he’s been unlucky not to have more goals than he currently does.

He’s also won more aerials per 90, whilst losing possession fewer times per game, offering that all-round focal point which the side have been desperately missing.

There’s no denying that Gyokeres would be a phenomenal addition to the side, certainly handing them the goalscoring threat they’ve been after in recent years.

However, this whole scouting mission could’ve been saved had Solskjaer not parted ways with the Belgian six years ago, with his presence potentially helping the club fight at the top end once again.

Bigger wonderkid than Mainoo: Man Utd begin work on signing £38m sensation

Manchester United have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for the summer.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Mar 27, 2025

Bryan Mbeumo was effusive in his praise for his former boss Thomas Frank amid an ongoing transfer tug-of-war over his signature.

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• Mbeumo heaps praise on former boss Frank
• Credits him for his footballing development
• Winger currently pursued by Man Utd & Spurs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbeumo reserved high words of praise for his former Brentford boss Frank and showed immense appreciation for the new Spurs manager, crediting him for playing a big role in his overall development.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Frank showed incredible faith in Mbeumo since he was signed by Brentford in 2019. The France-born Cameroorian international was one of the best attackers in the Premier League last season, scoring 20 goals and registering seven assists as the Bees finished 10th on the table. His devastating impact in the final third has caught the attention of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, with the latter launching a massive £70 million (€59m/$68m) to snatch him from under the noses of the Red Devils.

• WHAT MBEUMO SAID

  Speaking to , Mbeumo said: "He's done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start [at Brentford] and he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player so much as well. I can only wish him all the best and I'm sure he's going to do well.

  "He knows everything; he's really smart and knows what he wants to bring the team, how he wants them to play. He's been fantastic for Brentford."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBEUMO?

  With both Man Utd and Spurs heavily pursuing the 25-year-old, it is unlikely that Mbeumo will stay at the Gtech Community Stadium for another season. With the Lilywhites offering a huge transfer fee, and given the fact that Mbeumo's former manager Frank will be at the helm for the Europa League winners next season, he could well be headed to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Nicolas Jackson has released a statement on social media apologising to Chelsea fans after the striker was sent off against Flamengo.

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• Jackson dismissed just four minutes after coming on
• Striker showed remorse in Instagram statement
• Chelsea lost 3-1 after second-half implosion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Jackson saw red against the Brazilian side for a reckless studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas just minutes after being introduced as a substitute during Chelsea's 3-1 defeat. The Senegalese striker took to social media to apologise for his actions after the final whistle, stating he is "angry" with himself and taking full responsibility for his actions.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Jackson entered the field on his 24th birthday to replace Liam Delap, who completed a move to Stamford Bridge to compete with the Senegalese for the Blues' number nine spot earlier in June. Jackson's actions have done little to help his case, as Delap may look to stake a claim for the role in his absence – not only in Chelsea's upcoming Club World Cup matches, but also on the opening day of the new Premier League season in August. Jackson was sent off for violent conduct at Newcastle United in May, and is yet to complete his league suspension.

• WHAT JACKSON SAID

  Jackson said: "I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card and honestly, I'm so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don't fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way. No excuses. I take full responsibility. I'll reflect, I'll grow, and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry."

  Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JACKSON AND CHELSEA?

  Jackson will have to sit out Chelsea's final group game against ES Tunis on Wednesday, and he will have time for more soul searching during what now looks set to be a must-win game. After two red cards in just four appearances, the 24-year-old is right to ask himself how this happened and will hope to learn from this and avoid similar costly mistakes in the future.

Already preparing for the summer transfer window, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi reportedly sent scouts to watch one of his attacking targets in action last weekend.

Aston Villa's Turkish recruitment mission revealed

The Villans rarely seem to get things wrong in the transfer market these days, for the large part, they’ve got Monchi to thank for that. Their sporting director particularly excelled in the January window, welcoming both Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford online whilst also signing Donyell Malen on a permanent deal from Borussia Dortmund.

Aston Villa in contact to sign "magnificent" France U21 rising star

They could land an absolute bargain…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 1, 2025

Unai Emery’s side have only benefitted from that recruitment ever since too. As things stand, they’ve still got both the Champions League and FA Cup to play for and are set to battle until the very last to secure qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season. But Monchi isn’t resting there.

The likes of Dusan Vlahovic have already made the headlines regarding a potential summer switch to Villa Park and those in the Midlands certainly have the ambition to make such a move happen. Given that the Juventus star is also worth just £33m this summer, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that Monchi could land a bargain deal, either.

Away from the Serie A star, meanwhile, the Villans have reportedly set their sights on another attacking target. According to The Boot Room, Monchi sent fresh scouts to watch Baris Alper Yilmaz last weekend as his Galatasaray side squared off against Besiktas in one of the biggest games that Turkish football has to offer.

Ultimately, Yilmaz ended the day on the losing side as Besiktas handed Galatasaray their first league defeat of the season, but that may not be enough to dissuade Villa from making their move this summer.

Despite a game to forget, the 24-year-old has still managed 11 goals in all competitions this season to attract the interest of Villa, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

"Special" Yilmaz could replace Rashford

Whilst Rashford’s loan spell has so far been a great success, it still remains just that and it remains to be seen whether Villa will trigger their option to secure his signature on a permanent basis this summer. Instead, they could turn their attention towards the younger Yilmaz, who could prove to be just as successful under Emery.

Praised throughout his time in Turkey’s top flight, former coach Ilker Puren told reporters when asked about Yilmaz: “I think Baris Alper Yılmaz can play very comfortably for many teams in the Premier League at the moment. He’s a very special player.

“We worked a lot together. If Barıs Alper improves himself with his final ball, he can easily play for the best clubs in the world such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal.”

In the last eight of the Champions League, Villa have been among those top clubs this season and could now make a statement by signing Yilmaz when the summer arrives.

He wasn’t at his best as Galatasaray lost last weekend – recording just 0.10 expected goals and 0.06 expected assists – but Yilmaz is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming months as Villa prepare their move.

Jurgen Klopp has blasted FIFA for its failure to protect player's health in the newly revamped Club World Cup format.

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• Klopp: Club World Cup is 'worst idea ever'
• Ex-Liverpool boss believes injuries will follow
• European stars have one month off before next season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Liverpool manager took aim at the sport's governing body, lamenting decisions that are made by people with no experience in the "day-to-day business" of club football. When presented with comments of Bayern Munich executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge praising the tournament and Gianni Infantino, Klopp admitted some will be won over by the "insane" money involved, but he still worries over the stress on the athletes themselves.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Klopp suggested elite players will experience more and more injuries unless their burden is lessened. Ultimately, that will make the product less appealing to fans, as players' ability to perform diminishes, creating less "value" in the long run. He has a point. If Manchester City or Chelsea make the final of the new format, they will have just one month between their last game in the States and the new season.

  Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

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  WHAT KLOPP SAID

  Klopp was speaking of the great job Julian Nagelsmann has done as Germany boss, before launching into his criticisms in a conversation with . He said : "Julian touched on a few topics at one of his recent press conferences, saying that we need to develop more specifically. He was talking about full-backs and wingers. In the end, it's all about the game and not the surrounding aspects—and that's why the Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard. People who have never had anything to do with day-to-day business or who no longer have anything to do with it come up with something."

  When presented with Rummennige's positive comments on the Club World Cup he said: "I understand those who say: 'But the money you get for participating is insane.' But it's not for every club.

  "Last year it was the Copa and the European Championship, this year the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup. That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally. Of course, they all earn a lot of money. But let's leave that aside for a moment. An NBA player who also earns really good money has four months off every year. Virgil van Dijk hasn't even had that in his entire career. Tournaments like the Club World Cup cannot be held on the backs of the players. I don't wish that on anyone, but I have a big fear.

  "[I have a fear that] That players will suffer injuries they've never had before next season. If not in the next season, then it will happen at the World Cup or afterward. We constantly expect the lads to go into every game as if it were their last. We tell them that 70 or 75 times a year. But it can't go on like this. We have to make sure they have breaks, because if they don't get them, they won't be able to deliver top performances in the long run – and if they can't do that anymore, the entire product loses value for the sellers. I once had a pre-season of two and a half weeks in which all my players were at my disposal. Two and a half weeks – and then we played practically every three days for a year afterwards. That's brutal."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR KLOPP?

  Klopp has never been afraid to express his opinions, and now he is away from the touchline running global football operations for Red Bull Group, he might have even more freedom to spray takes on the game.