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Liverpool boss Arne Slot has won the title in his debut season at Anfield(Image: PA)

Arne Slot believes Liverpool could be handed a huge advantage in their quest to retain the Premier League title next season before a ball has been kicked - thanks to the Club World Cup.

Both Manchester City and Chelsea have qualified for the newly-formatted FIFA tournament, which will take place over a month in the United States from the middle of June.

And while both clubs will bank at least £50million for their participation in the 32-team event, the Kop boss feels it could be bad for the health of the players of Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca.

Slot said: “We all have our opinion - and I think most people who work in football have the same opinion as me that this is maybe a tournament too far.

But, at this moment, I would say eight out of 10 people who work in this business don’t feel it really necessary to have another tournament for players who have already had such a long season.

In fact, maybe it’s 10 out of 10.

Article continues belowREAD MORE:Arne Slot makes 'shocked' Liverpool title admission as he aims pointed dig at rivalsREAD MORE:Jordan Henderson to end difficult season with trophy lift after Ajax accusations

“I don't think it's healthy for players to only have maybe one week off, go into a tournament, then have one week off and start the whole Premier League season again.

“That can never be good for the health of a player in terms of staying available for the whole season.

“If it's a fantastic tournament then maybe it can also lift you towards next season.

I've also worked at Feyenoord when we had to play qualifying games to go in the Conference League and we always started off the season really well because these games are so competitive.

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“But we have to wait and see what it means for the long-term for these teams when their players have hardly had any days off.”

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