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The pair can never be accused of being peas in the pod but their stance on the Club World Cup - yes, it's still being played out in the United States - has unified two of the most contrasting characters of the modern game.

“It’s all about the game and not the surrounding events – and that’s why the Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard," Klopp said.

There is insane money for participating, but it’s also not for every club.

"Last year it was the Copa (America) and the European Championship, this year it’s the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup.

That means no real recovery for the players involved, neither physically nor mentally."

The vociferous criticism was pushed back on in certain circles, with one television reporter less-than-subtly imploring the competition's detractors: "If you don't like the Club World Cup, go and play padel or go for a swim."

Simply telling those who have no interest in the Club World Cup to turn off and spend their time doing something else, however, is something of a strawman argument.

Those who have no desire to see competitive club football being played in July can indeed forget all about it and the lack of visible television coverage in the UK speaks to how little interest there is on these shores about the trials and tribulations of Manchester City and Chelsea.

But to close eyes and place fingers in ears where the Club World Cup is concerned is to also give no thought as to how this month-long Stateside struggle will see its impact manifest when the 'real' stuff starts up once more in August.

Klopp added: "I have serious fears that players will suffer injuries they’ve never had before next season.

If not next season, then it will happen at the World Cup or afterwards.

“We constantly expect the players to go into every game as if it were their last.

Even the uber-competitive Ronaldo sees through the bluster, with the Al-Nassr superstar saying: “I had some offers to play in the Club World Cup, but I think it didn’t make sense
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