PEP’S ONLY PRIORITY IS A CITY WIN

about it. I didn’t get one and it’s not necessary to call me. I advise them... don’t call me.”

The Argentine FA was one of the first to request clubs give their players a break ahead of going to the tournament.

Some of the big names heading to Qatar are also paranoid about getting injured to leave their dreams in tatters.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp (above) echoed Guardiola’s words, insisting he expects players who are packing for the World Cup to give their all against Southampton today at Anfield.

“To perform at the highest level, you have to focus on what you need to do in the moment,” said Klopp. “The Southampton game is our World Cup.”

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte raised concerns about Harry Kane after their Carabao Cup exit at Nottingham Forest in midweek, claiming the England skipper was close to exhaustion.

But as Kane prepared for one final Premier League match at home to Leeds today, Conte said: “The fans must not be worried for him.

“Harry is going to play a fantastic World Cup because this season he was never injured, he has been able to train well, he is good physically. He has the desire – and his eyes are full of energy.”

Klopp has been handed a one-match touchline ban after the FA successfully appealed against the decision to only fine him for berating assistant referee Gary Beswick last month.

He was initially fined £30,000 by an independent regulatory commission for losing it with Beswick after he failed to flag when Mo Salah was hauled down by Bernardo Silva in the closing stages of their 1-0 win over Manchester City.