Post-season friendlies have become a common practice for many Premier League clubs looking to capitalize on additional exposure and revenue opportunities. However, the decision to participate in these matches immediately after a grueling season has raised concerns among players and fans alike. The recent friendly between Tottenham and Newcastle in Australia has drawn criticism from climate change campaign groups, highlighting the environmental impact of such long-distance travel. Additionally, Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier expressed his reservations about the timing of the match, stating that it was “not ideal” due to the demands of a tournament year.
Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou defended the decision to travel to Australia for the post-season friendly, citing the club’s different circumstances compared to Newcastle. While Newcastle had a European season with Champions League commitments, Spurs did not have the same level of fatigue from such competitions. Postecoglou emphasized the importance of exposure and revenue for Tottenham, suggesting that the club would not have participated in the friendly if their schedule had been more congested. He acknowledged that the timing was not ideal but believed that it made sense for Tottenham given their situation.
The post-season friendly in Australia also had implications for squad selection, with several key players missing out due to injuries or the need for rest. Notable absentees from Tottenham’s 24-man travelling squad included Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, while other players such as Timo Werner, Ben Davies, Richarlison, and Yves Bissouma were also sidelined. This raises questions about the balance between participating in additional matches for exposure and revenue and ensuring the well-being of the players. The decision to prioritize certain players’ recovery over their participation in post-season friendlies reflects the club’s commitment to player welfare.
Despite the challenges posed by post-season friendlies, Premier League clubs continue to schedule pre-season tours to prepare for the upcoming season. Tottenham confirmed their plans to travel to South Korea for a preseason tour where they will play against Bayern Munich. This raises the possibility of a reunion with former Tottenham players Harry Kane and Eric Dier, who now play for the Bundesliga champions. The decision to embark on pre-season tours underscores the global reach of Premier League clubs and the importance of international fixtures in expanding their fan base.
The debate surrounding post-season friendlies highlights the competing interests at play for Premier League clubs. While these matches offer valuable exposure and revenue opportunities, they also place additional demands on players and raise concerns about environmental impact. Balancing the benefits of participating in such fixtures with the well-being of the players remains a challenging task for clubs and coaching staff. As the football landscape continues to evolve, finding the right balance between commercial interests and player welfare will be crucial in shaping the future of the sport.