Legendary Bulgarian Hristo Stoichkov (59) has directly rebutted criticisms surrounding the FIFA Club World Cup. The targets of his comments are Barcelona's Raphinha and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
The Spanish outlet 'Sport' reported on the 30th of last month (Korean time) that Stoichkov showed a strong reaction toward European football figures who criticized the Club World Cup during an interview with 'Marca' and 'El Mundo.'
Recently, Brazil's key striker Raphinha criticized the Club World Cup, saying, "From the players' perspective, it is clearly a mandatory participation. No one asked for our opinion, and we simply have to go as we are told. It is too harsh to have to give up our vacations when the European football schedule is already tight."
In response, Stoichkov reacted without a moment's hesitation. He said, "Okay, but did you forget that the World Cup is being held here (in the United States) next year? Raphinha will play too. So did I, along with countless other players. I hope you can calm down a bit."
Stoichkov also emphasized that the current environment is more favorable for players compared to the past. "When I played, only two substitutions were allowed, but now you can change five, and with extra time, it’s six. It’s like changing half the team in the first half. Complaining under these conditions makes me feel as if we were never players ourselves."
The arrows of criticism were also directed at Jürgen Klopp. Klopp had previously described expanding the Club World Cup as "the worst idea in football history." In response, Stoichkov reacted somewhat sharply.
He commented, "Honestly, I didn't expect to hear that from Klopp. I respect him. But is he upset perhaps because RB Salzburg (the Red Bull subsidiary team) is not participating? He was quiet when Liverpool participated, didn't make a fuss about receiving money; why is he so sensitive now? We need a bit more respect for these tournaments."
He valued the Club World Cup as "an opportunity for teams from different cultures to come together, cross tactics and systems, and face new football."
He added, "In the past, we only played two or three matches, but it’s different now. Gianni Infantino and FIFA are clearly trying something new. Isn’t this an opportunity to see various football from around the world?"
He also mentioned Chelsea's coach Enzo Maresca's complaints about the adverse weather, countering with his characteristic humor. He said, "Because it was raining and the game was difficult? Should we give Infantino the remote control to stop the weather? Is everything just a reason to complain now?"
Stoichkov stated that "football is a festival for everyone," and not only defended the tournament but also continued to criticize Raphinha's salary directly.
He asked, "Receiving a salary of 20 million euros (about 31.8 billion won) while not participating in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, or King’s Cup and wanting to play only once a week? Then go play in the UEFA Cup like in the old days. Back then, everyone played. Now, even six teams are in the Champions League. Spain, England, and Italy are all the same. So what is the problem?"
Finally, he sharpened his criticism towards Klopp once again.
Stoichkov emphasized, "Does he really just want to go to China, Japan, and Indonesia to play friendlies? Or does he want to compete in a real prestigious tournament? He said nothing when he participated in the Club World Cup during his time at Liverpool, so why is he saying this now? Is the real issue that the Red Bull subsidiary team is not able to participate? This is a tournament that also provides young players with growth opportunities."
In this way, Stoichkov raised his voice, pointing out the legitimacy and value of the Club World Cup and the double standards of its critics. His keen remarks added more fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the tournament.
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