Ben Patrick » Thu Jul 24, 2014 12:45 pm wrote:This is the problem when pre season games are televised nowadays.
I say it every season when post match the moans come in.
Pre season matches are essentially about fitness and bedding back in.
This was only the third match and most of the side did not play in it.
I am pretty sure that in a week or so we will start seeing something closer to how we will line up.
In the meantime it's just a run out to get fitness going.
It wasnt great to watch and I also feel a bit sorry for the american fans that would have been looking forward to it and paid good money.
However at this stage of pre season you wont see any other top side putting their first XI out.
I dont think it's fair to criticise the manager for it.
Having said that regarding Borini I agree totally with Red, he shouldnt have been near the team when we have a very good offer for him and he isnt in the plans for this season.
The game has changed mate, years ago pre season was all about getting fit, these days it's about opening new markets and making money.
The clubs give these games a huge billing when they are trying to sell tickets to the locals, they don't say come and watch our reserves and U21's have a kick about, they advertise the games as huge clashes between European heavyweights etc.
They even have a small army of ex players in their entourage to promote the ***** out of the games and they sell the TV rights knowing full well millions are going to watch the matches.
If the club is genuinely only interested in getting players fit then they should go back to the days when we used to play Irish/Norwegian part timers in front of one man and his dog.
If they don't want people to judge their performances then stop selling and advertising the ***** out the games, if pre season is all about fitness then stop running around the planet chasing lucrative opportunities.
The club can't have their cake and eat it too.