Football
Richard Dunne: “Club World Cup featuring Messi and Ronaldo is a nonsense”
Former Man City captain questions tournament hype
Former Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has told William Hill that he has little interest in the upcoming Club World Cup, branding it a “nonsense”.
Dunne said: “To me, the whole idea of the Club World Cup, and the rumours of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo getting moves just to be involved in it, is absolute nonsense.
“It reminds me of years ago when Manchester United decided to miss the FA Cup because they were playing in that competition in Brazil instead. It was an absolute shambles — they didn’t even make it out of the group stage!
“Ever since then, no matter how much they try to hype it up and sell it as something important, it’s just a glorified Charity Shield really. But they package it as this massive league-style competition.”
Dunne also admitted he will not be tuning in and questioned the wider interest in the tournament, despite the financial rewards on offer.
He added: “I probably won’t be watching it. I’m not even sure what time the games are, and some of them you just can’t attach any importance to.
“£100million to win a competition that not many people care about is great money, so I’m sure the clubs involved will be happy!”
Dunne: Kelleher is right to leave Liverpool
Ex-Ireland defender Dunne also believes Caoimhín Kelleher’s move to Brentford represents a significant upgrade for the Bees.
Dunne said: “Caoimhín Kelleher is a great signing for Brentford. I’d actually say they’re upgrading from Mark Flekken to Kelleher. Based on the money I’ve seen reported, it looks like a very good deal.
“Flekken has done well, and he’s the type of goalkeeper who understands what’s needed. Kelleher will have to learn a few new things at a new club, and that may take a little time. But in terms of goalkeeping and shot-stopping, this is a
big upgrade. Kelleher has proven at Liverpool he’s one of the best around.”
Dunne also thinks regular football at Brentford will finally allow Kelleher to show his full potential after years as Alisson’s understudy at Liverpool.
He added: “It’s also a great move for Kelleher himself. The opportunity to play regular first-team football is something he’s been craving. He doesn’t want to be the best number two in the Premier League – he wants to be the best number one if he possibly can. That means playing every week and having the trust and confidence of a manager.
“This feels like the right time for him to go and play, and it’ll only benefit Ireland as well, with their goalkeepers playing regularly. So I’m very pleased for the national team.”
