HEAD START

Maresca and Pep won't complain about their opening fixtures after returning from Club World Cup

- BY ANDY DUNN Chief Sports Writer

IN an interview that made the headlines for a comment about his mum being 'repulsed' by Jude Bellingham's antics, Thomas Tuchel also spoke about the effect the Club World Cup will have on Manchester City and Chelsea.

The tournament in the United States would, he said, result in City and Chelsea being at a 'huge' disadvantage in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

Several times, Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola have also voiced their concerns over the demands on their players.

Perhaps the Premier League fixture schedulers have shown them some sympathy.