Arne Slot thinks Liverpool might gain a significant edge in their bid to retain the Premier League title next season, even before the first match kicks off, due to the Club World Cup.

Manchester City and Chelsea have both qualified for the revamped FIFA tournament, which will take place in the United States from mid-June and feature 32 teams.

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Although both clubs are guaranteed to earn at least £50million from participating in the event, the Reds manager feels the tournament could have a negative impact on Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca's squads heading into next season.

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He 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.

"When it's being played we will probably all feel we would love to be there because it's a great occasion.

“Maybe the best time to answer the question is after the tournament.

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."

Slot emphasised his concern for the players' well-being, stating: "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.

"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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