#1 ·
I was looking at the schedule for the upcoming summer friendlies, and I can't help but feel like the whole concept of preseason is shifting into something else entirely. It used to be about seeing the local squad get some fitness in and maybe catching a glimpse of a new signing, but now it feels like these matches are being treated more like massive, high-priced touring spectacles.
Don't get me wrong, I love the excitement of a big matchup, but sometimes it feels like the "sport" part of the game is taking a backseat to the "entertainment industry" part. They pick these massive venues halfway across the world and turn a simple warm-up game into this huge, choreographed production. It’s great for the brand, sure, but does it actually help the teams prepare for the real grind of the season?
I miss the days when preseason felt a bit more organic and less like a traveling circus designed to maximize ticket sales and broadcast rights. It’s getting harder to tell where a competitive build-up ends and a marketing campaign begins.
Does anyone else feel like the "friendly" aspect of these games is becoming a bit of a joke, or am I just being a cynical old fan?
Don't get me wrong, I love the excitement of a big matchup, but sometimes it feels like the "sport" part of the game is taking a backseat to the "entertainment industry" part. They pick these massive venues halfway across the world and turn a simple warm-up game into this huge, choreographed production. It’s great for the brand, sure, but does it actually help the teams prepare for the real grind of the season?
I miss the days when preseason felt a bit more organic and less like a traveling circus designed to maximize ticket sales and broadcast rights. It’s getting harder to tell where a competitive build-up ends and a marketing campaign begins.
Does anyone else feel like the "friendly" aspect of these games is becoming a bit of a joke, or am I just being a cynical old fan?