The Importance Of Pre-Season

The Emerites Cup
Is one of many cups hosted by larger sides

With the new season fast approaching, clubs take part in pre-season games against other sides either in their home country or go on 'tour'. Chelsea, Liverpool and Sheffield Wednesday are teams who have played on tour this season. Some teams have their own cup competitions for example 'The Emerites Cup' is played on an annual basis at The Emerites Stadium, its very similar to the Amsterdam Cup hosted by Ajax. The larger teams need to play against tougher opposition, to put them more to the test and get them back into the rhythm of top flight, fast paced football. The Emerties Cup this year is hosting, Arsenal, PSG, New York Red Bull and Boca Juniors. Previous years teams such as Real Madrid, Inter, Lyon and Juventus have participated. 

Selecting your pre-season game choices can be tricky sometimes, the majority of pre-season games are held on a local basis, you wouldn't get many teams go the length of the country for one pre-season game, its just a fitness exercise after all. Its also a chance for new players to get to grips with the style of play of their new team and bond with their team mates. Its the time of the year where the playing positions are up for grabs, the number one jersey, the best central back pairing, midfield line, and forward pairings also.

Smaller sides pre-season needs, differ to
bigger sides pre-season needs

There is no point in sides such as the likes of, Southport, Tamworth, Blyth etc. Playing against top flight teams all the time. The odd game to boost the gate is a good idea, but when the side gets turned over three or four nil for their troubles it doesn't boost morale, but at the same time you need to select a pre-season programme which will pose some challenge to the players, as well as some easier games to boost morale and not put the side under lots of pressure. Think about it, if you have selected a really hard pre-season programme and lose every game by three to four goals, the team may be in a good physical shape, but on a mental basis the confidence and morale would be at rock bottom.

Pre-season can benefit smaller sized clubs,
with boosted gates for big games

Some smaller clubs can actually coin in on the pre-season programme in asking the likes of Chelsea or Man Utd for example to play them in a friendly. Leicester City will be getting a large gate receipt, when Real Madrid play at The Walkers in late July.

With a few weeks left of pre-season its the crucial time for managers to see what else needs improving within the sides before the season kicks off, although these games may be tedious and boring, its a very crucial part of the football season, if not, one of the most important parts of the football season.