#1 ·
I was thinking about this the other day while watching some pre-season clips. It feels like every major club is obsessed with flying halfway across the world or setting up these massive, high-intensity camps in random locations just to face lower-tier opposition. Don't get me wrong, I get the logic behind "controlled environments" and tactical prep, but there’s something about that old-school, gritty feeling of local friendlies that seems to be disappearing.
It honestly feels a bit disconnected. When a massive international powerhouse rolls into a local town for a few days, it feels less like a sporting event and more like a corporate takeover. You see these huge setups, all these cameras, and then a quick match against a side that’s fighting for promotion or survival, and it just feels lopsided. I miss the days when big clubs felt more accessible, even if it was just for a mid-week friendly that didn't feel like a massive production.
Do you guys think these organized camps actually help the big teams, or is it mostly just a way to make a buck and shake off the summer rust?
It honestly feels a bit disconnected. When a massive international powerhouse rolls into a local town for a few days, it feels less like a sporting event and more like a corporate takeover. You see these huge setups, all these cameras, and then a quick match against a side that’s fighting for promotion or survival, and it just feels lopsided. I miss the days when big clubs felt more accessible, even if it was just for a mid-week friendly that didn't feel like a massive production.
Do you guys think these organized camps actually help the big teams, or is it mostly just a way to make a buck and shake off the summer rust?