Arne Slot has shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s pre-season, appearing to take a subtle swipe at clubs competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking about the summer schedule, Slot said:

“It’s the pleasing thing about not having a tournament in the summer.”

Chelsea could miss out on Club World Cup after FIFA's Liverpool upset, major clash on cards	Liverpool transfer news as Bundesliga club opens talks with Reds over Harvey Elliott	Premier League title odds: Chelsea are fancied after Club World Cup win but champions Liverpool look the ones to beat

The remark was aimed at teams involved in FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States this weekend.

While Chelsea and PSG are preparing for the final, Slot’s Liverpool have been able to concentrate solely on training and friendly matches ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Reds have spent their summer fine-tuning tactics, integrating new signings and working on squad fitness without the disruption of long-haul competitive fixtures.

ALSO READ: Club backs out from Harvey Elliott transfer after initial talks

The new 32-team FIFA Club World Cup features only two clubs from each country.

Despite technically ‘qualifying’ through UEFA’s rankings, Liverpool missed out because both Chelsea and Manchester City had already secured automatic places by winning the Champions League during the designated four-year period from 2020/21 to 2023/24.

Liverpool were ranked higher than Chelsea in UEFA’s coefficient table but were ruled out under the two-club-per-country restriction.

For that to happen, they will need to win the Champions League before then or hope fewer than two English sides lift the trophy during the next qualification cycle.

ALSO READ: Newcastle make striker breakthrough as Liverpool eye Alexander Isak


For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.