Sebastian Vasile article – published Monday, June 30, 2025, 08:12 / Updated Monday, June 30, 2025 08:12
The legend of Barcelona and Bulgarian football, Hristo Stoichkov, 59, once again showed that he is not afraid to express his opinions, even if they are not to everyone. In dialogue with the Spanish press, the Bulgarian replied vehemently to the critics brought by Jurgen Klopp And the extreme of Barcelona, Raphinha, to the new format of the World Club Championship.
The expansion of the World Club Championship in the current version, the Mamut tour with 32 teams, was vehemently criticized by Jurgen Klopp, the former manager of Liverpool: “The worst idea ever implemented in football. The argument of money prizes is absurd!”.
The German received the reply from him … Hristo Stoichkov!
Hristo Stoichkov responds to Jurgen Klopp: “When Liverpool participated, no one complained”
“I didn't expect this from Jurgen. I respect him enormously, but he is probably upset because of RB Salzburg's elimination, where he is director of the company. When Liverpool participated, no one complained. When I get money, no one complains. I think there should be more respect for these tournaments, “said Stoichkov, quoted by Sportal.bg.
“I also played in this competition, when he had another format, but I think Gianni [Infantino] And FIFA have created something different. We see in one place several cultures, new systems, new tactics, many different teams that did not know each other before participating in this tournament“, The” Cămătar “stressed some of the advantages of the World Club Championship.
“Everything is fantastic. First of all, fans fill the stadiums, except for a match, when there was an interruption warning because of the storms. Yesterday, and Maresca cried with rain, but what to do? Do we give Infantino's remote to stop the rain? They complain of anything“, Stoichkov pointed out.
Hristo Stoichkov: “Raphinha will surely not be dissatisfied when playing in the World Cup”
The former golden balloon did not miss the opportunity to respond to the Barcelona player, Raphinha, who complained that many footballers suffer from the loaded calendar and do not have enough rest between the two seasons:
“Next year, the World Championship is again in the US, and Raphinha will surely play and not be dissatisfied. It's time to calm the spirits. “
“In my time there were two changes, and now there are five, ie you can change half team at the break. You also have an additional change in extensions. If you complain about it, I find it unfair. As if we had never played football or we would not have played so many matches in a year, ”Stoichkov noted.
Stoichkov: “When players earn 20 million a year, they don't complain anymore”
“For me, everything goes great and I hope it will continue the same, because football is a holiday for everyone. Who does not like to play? Look, give me boots and a ball and I will go in, because I love football. Organization is fantastic and I see no complaints from people,” he said.
“What would Klopp prefer-training tournaments in China, Japan and Indonesia or a real competition, with a much higher prestige? Liverpool participated in the World Club Championship a few years ago and then I didn't hear Jürg.
He may have wanted more Red Bull teams to be present at the tournament. The truth is that many young players get the chance to assert themselves on the big stage, and that's great, ”Stoichkov said.
“The players do not complain when they earn 20 million a year, then they are quiet. Let's see if during the season the teams will play once a week or have matches in the King Cup, Fa Cup, the League Cup … all these cups that are worth nothing.
A few years ago it was different. Now, Spain has six teams in the Champions League. England – the same. And in Italy it's the same. I do not understand why they complain, ”the former striker added.
