ORLANDO, United States: Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said he understood Jurgen Klopp’s views after the former Liverpool manager described the Club World Cup as “the worst idea ever implemented in football.”

But the Catalan coach still wants his team to win the FIFA tournament, which has received much criticism following the new format expanded this summer in the United States, insisting that most of the complaints come from teams that did not qualify.

Klopp, who is now head of global football at Red Bull, told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that the tight schedule meant players had no time to rest mentally and physically, and were at high risk of injury.

“Jurgen, we’ve faced each other many times, I know where the idea came from, we talked a lot in England, when we went to UEFA meetings, especially about the Premier League, about the match schedule, to try to improve the quality,” Guardiola told reporters.

“So that the players can rest, the coaches can rest, then the quality of the game is better, so I’m not surprised, I understand it, I respect it.

“I have a good relationship with Jurgen, even though we are fiercely competitive… I understand his opinion, and I will defend it as well.”

City have advanced to the last 16 of the tournament and will face Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in Orlando tomorrow morning.

Guardiola said that although the tournament received a lot of criticism, he was still proud to be able to compete to win it.

“At the same time, we work in football, we follow FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League, Serie A… the coach will not organize the tournament, everyone has their own role to organize it,” explained Guardiola.

“I’ve said it many times, I’m very proud to be here, because in the end a lot of teams complain about this tournament just because they’re not here. Otherwise, maybe they’d like to be here too.

“Their journalists will be there, their supporters will be there, they will earn income here and they will be happy too.”

Manchester City have won six of the last eight EPL titles, while Liverpool have won two, including last season.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said Arne Slot’s Liverpool and Arsenal have an advantage over City for next season’s campaign because they have rested over the summer.

“I try not to think about it too much, otherwise I get too anxious,” Guardiola insisted.

“So I’m trying to stay calm, enjoy my time here, with the positive atmosphere and this tournament to try to win it.”

PALM BEACH GARDENS, United States: Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe did not take part in training yesterday and is expected to miss the Club World Cup Group H match against Pachuca as he continues his recovery after complaining of ill health, the club said in a statement.

Mbappe, who was previously hospitalized in the Miami area earlier this week after suffering from food poisoning, is currently at the team hotel and will not travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the match against the Mexican club tomorrow morning, a Real Madrid spokesman said.

Mbappe was left out of Real’s opening match against Al-Hilal which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The result saw RB Salzburg top the group with three points after beating Pachuca 2-1.

Mbappe had been isolated from his teammates since Tuesday before being admitted to hospital on Wednesday and released a day later.

Club sources announced earlier this week that Mbappe is not expected to play in any of the Club World Cup group stage matches.

However, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso hinted that Mbappe might return to action in the final group match.

“His condition is improving. It has been two days since he was released from hospital. He is recovering and day by day we are more optimistic that he will be able to play in the next match,” he told a news conference.

MANCHESTER: Manchester United have reportedly made a £127 million bid for Barcelona star Raphinha.

Manager Ruben Amorim and Man United’s new Director of Football Jason Wilcox are in the process of reshaping the squad after a disappointing season.

The focus is now on further sharpening the attacking line after Man United activated the 62.5 million pound release clause to acquire Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

Man United, who will only compete domestically next season, failed in the race to sign Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres and Bryan Mbeumo in this transfer window.

According to Spanish media reports, the Red Devils are now ready to spend a large sum for Raphinha, which is beyond the expectations of the Catalan club and the Brazilian player himself.

“The figure shocked Camp Nou. The lucrative offer was also unexpected by the Brazilian winger,” the report said.

United expect Raphinha to be able to make an impact from the first day he wears the Man United jersey based on his experience in the English Premier League with Leeds United.

“While it would not be easy for Barca to part ways with a player who has scored 34 goals and assisted 25 more in 57 games this season, financial factors may force them to accept United’s offer,” the report added.

LIVERPOOL: Luis Diaz is reportedly interested in joining Barcelona and the Spanish giant club is also ready to reach an agreement with Liverpool who wants to release the player in question.

According to Spanish media, the Colombian player has made his decision and believes now is the best time to finish his career at Anfield after three and a half seasons.

Liverpool have not yet offered Diaz a contract extension, which expires in 2027, and he could be left out of the squad with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and several other players.

The Premier League champions are said to have told Diaz, 28, that he could move for 51 million pounds but Barcelona could not afford such a high fee.

Akhbar SPORT reports that Barca are confident of being able to sign the player in the next few weeks, even though Liverpool rejected their offer earlier this month.

Barca manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco gave the green light for a move dubbed ‘Operation Luis Diaz’.

Diaz helped Liverpool win their second Premier League title by scoring 17 goals and assisting another eight in all competitions.

Barcelona has become the destination of choice for players from the South American continent after creating a name with the English Premier League club.

Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Javier Mascherano created their own success at Barcelona after leaving Liverpool 15 years ago.

Diaz is one of Arne Slot’s main assets because of his ability to play on the wing or front.

Diaz recently said: “I am very happy at Liverpool. They have served me well since day one.

“We are in talks with other clubs. It’s a normal thing in the transfer window.

“If Liverpool renew my contract, or if I need to use up the remaining two years, I’m still happy. It’s up to them.”