According to Thomas Tuchel, Arsenal and Liverpool possess a considerable advantage heading into the next Premier League title race.
The England manager suggests that the expanded FIFA Club World Cup tournament could pose challenges for Manchester City and Chelsea, impacting their readiness for the domestic season.
The global tournament, being held in the United States, begins shortly and concludes in mid-July. This leaves teams involved, such as City and Chelsea, with limited time for pre-season preparations before the new Premier League campaign starts just five weeks later.
Tuchel highlighted that players from the participating clubs will have a shortened summer break and potentially a disrupted build-up to the domestic season.
Speaking while preparing his England squad for a friendly against Senegal, Tuchel commented, “It will have a significant impact, and it will give Liverpool and Arsenal a major advantage next season by not being there.”
He acknowledged that while the tournament offers a unique experience for the players involved, there are “mixed feelings about it.”
“I have decided not to worry too much because why should I? No one knows the outcome of it,” Tuchel added. “We will deal with the effect when the effect comes.”
He also noted the concerns among clubs regarding the demanding schedule after a long season. “The clubs are concerned and I get that after a long season,” he said.
In other news from the England camp, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is anticipated to start for the Three Lions in the friendly against Senegal, despite his recent involvement in the Club World Cup. Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson is a possibility to earn his third international cap. Jude Bellingham, who missed training for a family funeral, is expected to be available on the bench. Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney is hoping to feature after not playing in the previous match against Andorra, with Tuchel confirming Toney “has every chance to play.”
