– What are the benefits of Premier League clubs taking part in international preseason tournaments?
With the Premier League season fast approaching, football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite teams to the pitch. While the preseason is typically a time for friendly matches and training camps, it also provides an opportunity for clubs to travel far and wide in search of the perfect preparation for the upcoming campaign.
In recent years, the trend of Premier League clubs taking to the skies for their preseason preparations has become increasingly popular. Whether it’s to compete in international tournaments, build team chemistry through travel, or simply challenge themselves against top-quality opposition, many clubs are opting to head abroad for their preseason.
So, which Premier League clubs are racking up the air miles this summer? Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams that are embarking on far-flung preseason tours in 2021.
Manchester United
As one of the most popular and successful clubs in the world, it’s no surprise that Manchester United is once again crisscrossing the globe for their preseason preparations. The Red Devils have lined up a rigorous travel schedule, including stops in Australia, Singapore, and China. This ambitious tour will give the players a chance to acclimate to different climates and time zones while also allowing the club to connect with its legion of international fans.
Liverpool
Fresh off their triumph in the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool is wasting no time in preparing for the upcoming season. The Reds are jetting off to the United States, where they will take part in the annual International Champions Cup. Matches against top European clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla will provide a stern test for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they look to defend their domestic and continental titles.
Arsenal
Arsenal has also decided to take their preseason preparations overseas, with a tour of the United States on the agenda. The Gunners will be participating in the 2019 International Champions Cup, where they will face off against the likes of Bayern Munich and Fiorentina. This competitive lineup of fixtures will give new manager Unai Emery a chance to assess his squad against high-quality opposition as he seeks to build on last season’s promising performances.
Chelsea
With a transfer ban limiting their ability to bring in new players, Chelsea is taking a different approach to their preseason preparations this summer. The Blues are focusing on building team chemistry through travel, with visits to Ireland and Japan on the cards. These destinations will allow new manager Frank Lampard to bond with his squad and impart his footballing philosophy ahead of the new season.
Tottenham Hotspur
While some clubs are traversing continents for their preseason tours, Tottenham Hotspur is heading to Asia for a series of matches against the continent’s top clubs. The North London outfit will participate in the 2019 International Champions Cup, facing off against AS Roma, Juventus, and Manchester United. This challenging set of fixtures will give Spurs’ new signings a chance to integrate into the squad while also exposing the team to different styles of play.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Preseason Travels
Taking to the skies for preseason preparations offers a wide array of benefits for Premier League clubs. From facing top-quality opposition to connecting with fans around the world, these tours can be an invaluable part of a team’s preseason regimen. Here are some practical tips for clubs embarking on preseason travels:
- Plan ahead: With logistics playing a crucial role in successful preseason tours, clubs must meticulously plan their travel itineraries to ensure a smooth experience for players and staff.
- Manage player fatigue: Long-haul travel can take a toll on players’ bodies, so it’s essential for clubs to prioritize rest and recovery during preseason tours to avoid fatigue and injuries.
- Engage with fans: Preseason tours provide a unique opportunity for clubs to connect with their global fan base and expand their brand presence in new markets.
Case Studies and First-Hand Experience
In recent years, several Premier League clubs have reaped the rewards of their preseason travels. Manchester City’s preseason tour of the United States in 2018 helped the club engage with its American fan base and pave the way for the establishment of a new MLS team, New York City FC. Similarly, Manchester United’s preseason tours of Asia have allowed the club to tap into the lucrative Asian market and build a strong commercial presence in the region.
As a content writer, it’s clear that the trend of Premier League clubs taking to the skies for preseason preparations is here to stay. The benefits of these tours are undeniable, and the exciting matchups and travel experiences provide fans with plenty to look forward to ahead of the new season. Whether it’s for team bonding, brand promotion, or high-quality competition, these preseason tours are becoming an integral part of the modern football landscape. And as the new season kicks off, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite clubs take the lessons learned from their preseason travels and translate them into success on the pitch.
Newcastle and Tottenham Both Travelling More Than 30,000 Air Miles in Pre-Season
Premier League clubs are preparing for their pre-season matches, with a significant focus on environmental impact. As the teams embark on post-season traveling, questions arise about the necessity and the carbon footprint associated with these global tours.
Pre-Season Travel Destinations and Environmental Impact
The pre-season destinations of Premier League clubs vary from Los Angeles to Chesterfield and from San Diego to Salford. However, the commonality among all destinations is the substantial impact of traveling by air, especially in terms of environmental concerns. Out of the 20 clubs, half have flown to the United States for friendlies, three have traveled to the Far East, and the rest are scattered across Europe and the UK.
The distance covered by Manchester United, Chelsea, and Spurs during their pre-season schedules is almost 13,000 miles, raising questions about the necessity of such extensive air travel. In contrast, Everton will fly the least, with just one fixture outside the UK in the Republic of Ireland.
The Aftermath of Season-Finishing Fixtures
Newcastle and Spurs also played an exhibition fixture three days after the season finished, requiring them to fly to Melbourne, Australia. Both teams will have traveled in excess of 30,000 air miles in the close-season, equivalent to more than once around the globe, to play in non-competitive matches. The significant air miles accumulated by these two clubs highlight the environmental impact of post-season travel.
Environmentally Sustainable Goals for Clubs
The environmental responsibility of clubs has come into question, as targets are being set to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. However, the excessive air travel for pre-season games casts doubts on the clubs’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
Environmental Impact and Player Welfare
The burden on players and the environmental concerns are intertwined, with sustainability campaigner David Wheeler highlighting the adverse impact on player welfare due to extensive post-season travel. The club’s pursuit of a global audience and commercial interests raises concerns as it compromises player welfare and planetary welfare. The increasing injuries due to excessive travel after a full season are evident, calling for a rethinking of the necessity of these pre-season fixtures.
Implications for the Sustainability of Football
The implications of the continued thirst for a global audience by Premier League clubs are significant for the sustainability of football. The focus on spreading a positive environmental message is undermined by the environmental pollution generated by these close-season fixtures.
Club Responses and Environmental Commitments
Clubs have signed up for a league-wide commitment to develop an environmental sustainability policy by the end of the 2024-25 season. However, the club’s justifications for mitigating environmental impact and their commitment to offsetting travel emissions pose ethical questions about their environmental responsibility.
BBC Sport’s Methodology for Calculating Air Miles and Emissions
BBC Sport’s calculations of air miles and emissions provide an indicator of the environmental impact of pre-season travel by Premier League clubs. The substantial gaps between games and the nature of the flights contribute to the overall environmental footprint of these fixtures.
The concern for environmental sustainability and the implications of excessive air travel for football clubs raise questions about their commitment to addressing climate change.
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[Source: article source: BottlePR, march 22nd 2020]