Man City news: Pundit ‘can’t believe’ controversial plan as Pep Guardiola hits out
Noel Whelan has insisted he “can’t believe” it is possible to host the World Cup every three years as Man City boss Pep Guardiola hits out at football’s “big brains”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, warned that the new proposals could burn football’s “top players” out.
Per the Daily Mail (19 December), FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to hold the World Cup every three years as part of a “long-term plan to revolutionise international football”.
The report claims Infantino has been “emboldened” by the success of the mid-season tournament in Qatar – which culminated in Argentina’s penalty shoot-out win over France on Sunday (18 December).
No changes can be introduced until after the 2030 World Cup.
Guardiola has already hit out at the “big brains of football” – claiming Man City will have just “four or five senior players” available when they face Liverpool in the League Cup on Thursday (22 December).
City had 16 players playing at the World Cup – the most of any Premier League side.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It can’t happen.
“There’s just too much going on in football already.
“You’ve got European Championships, international friendlies, Nations League – and that’s before you go into all the games at the domestic level.
“Where are these players getting the rest from? I can’t believe it.
“These players have gone from the Euros into the Premier League, straight into the World Cup, and back into domestic football.
“It’s ridiculous. You’re going to burn these top players out.
“We want to watch the top players. You can only guarantee that by giving them enough rest and recuperation.”
In other news, pundit claims World Cup star could be taking “big risk” by joining Man City after journalist’s update.