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FIFA executive Arsenal Wenger has hit back at former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for his criticism of the ongoing Club World Cup, throwing his weight behind the competition. The former Arsenal boss is a prominent member of the Gianni Infantino-led body that reinvented the competition into a full-blown tournament.
Red Bill Group director Klopp was critical of the tournament, referring to it tournament as the "worst idea ever conceived" weeks ago. Wenger spoke with BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella about the comments of the former Liverpool manager, stating that he was not in support of Klopp's stance. He also pointed out that the tournament was needed and the clubs were pleased to participate.
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"The next edition is in 2029 (when asked if CWC could be every two years). Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I don't share the opinion of Jurgen Klopp at all. I feel a Club World Cup is needed. If you make enquiries to all the clubs who were here there would be 100 percent of answers that they would want to do it again. That's the best answer of what the clubs think of a Club World Cup. The decisive question is do the fans like it or not? We believe that the attendances which were expected to be low but in reality were much higher. The answer is there."
Now FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, Wenger has played a prominent role in promoting football in recent years. He has been very prominent in the USA during the tournament, often being seen in the VIP boxes of stadiums where games have taken place.
Jurgen Klopp's former team Liverpool did not qualify for the competition, but his Red Bull Group were represented by Salzburg in the group stage. They finished third in a group that had Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Al-Hilal.
Liverpool eyeing move for star after Club World Cup disappointment: Reports
Liverpool are eyeing a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo after his disappointing Club World Cup outing, as per reports. The Brazil international has been strongly linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after appearing to fail to impress manager Xabi Alonso.
A report from Transfermarkt has revealed that the Reds have become the latest side to indicate their interest in Rodrygo. They will look to rival Arsenal for the 24-year-old if they lose Luis Diaz before the end of the window.
Rodrygo made just one start in six games for Real Madrid and was an unused sub as they crashed out of the Club World Cup against PSG. The Spanish giants are reportedly looking to cash in on the former Santos man, and the Premier League is a possible destination.
