Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted the Club World Cup could have severe repercussions on his squad’s physical condition ahead of the new Premier League campaign, warning that the congested schedule may “destroy” the team.

City face Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League in the last 16 in Orlando, after finishing as the top scorers in the group stage. The tournament offers a lucrative prize of $133 million (£97m) to the eventual winners and is being staged in the United States, forming part of FIFA’s expanded format.

Guardiola acknowledged the trip has brought benefits in terms of pre-season planning and team harmony, especially in contrast to last year. However, he also voiced serious concerns about the toll the competition may take on his players, many of whom had only a few days off following June’s international fixtures before returning to action.

With the Premier League set to resume just a month after the Club World Cup concludes, Guardiola was asked whether title rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal may hold an advantage due to having a less demanding summer schedule.

“I try not to think about it, otherwise I will be so anxious,” Guardiola said. “I'm really pleased we went through against Juventus, but most importantly is the fact the players can visualise, ‘Oh, we can do it again.’

“We can be an aggressive team with the ball, without the ball. After the competition, we will rest as long as the Premier League allows us.

“Then it’s game by game, month by month – and maybe in November, December, January… we are a disaster. We are exhausted. The World Cup destroyed us. I don’t know, because this is the first time in our lives we’ve experienced this.”

The City boss conceded that the current circumstances are far from ideal for any manager preparing a team for the gruelling demands of English football.

“Would I love to have two months to prepare for next season? Yes. Would I love to be refreshed? Yes. But it is what it is. And we deserve to be here because of what we did in the past. So, once we are here, let’s do the best we possibly can.”

Guardiola also addressed recent remarks by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who labelled FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup as the “worst idea ever”. Klopp’s comments have added to growing criticism over the relentless fixture calendar for elite players.

“I know where his idea comes from,” Guardiola said. “I’ve had an incredible relationship with Jürgen for many years as rivals.

“Now that he’s stepped away from management, I understand his argument, and I would probably defend the same one.

“But once we are here, we are proud. Many teams complain about this competition because they’re not here. If they were, they would probably enjoy being here – with their media, their supporters, and the income that comes with it. They would be happy.”