England manager Thomas Tuchel has identified Arsenal and Liverpool as having a significant advantage in the 2025/26 Premier League title race due to their absence from the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
The revamped 32-team Club World Cup tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with only Chelsea and Manchester City representing the Premier League after winning the UEFA Champions League in recent years.
Tuchel, who previously managed Chelsea, expects the tournament to significantly impact both Chelsea and Manchester City when the 2025/26 Premier League season begins, giving their title rivals a competitive edge.
"I think it will have a huge impact and it will give Liverpool and Arsenal a huge advantage in the next season [Premier League title race] to not be there," Tuchel stated.
Despite highlighting this competitive disadvantage, the England boss acknowledged potential benefits for players participating in the tournament. "I think it will be a very nice experience for the players who are there to play this tournament for the first time so it is mixed feelings about it," he added.
The timing of the Club World Cup means Chelsea and Manchester City players involved will have significantly reduced rest periods before the new Premier League campaign begins, potentially affecting their physical condition and early-season form.
This scheduling challenge could prove decisive in what promises to be another fiercely contested Premier League title race, with Arsenal and Liverpool positioned to capitalize on their rivals' additional commitments.
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