FC Barcelona's Preseason Strategy Unveiled
Under the leadership of President Rafa Yuste, FC Barcelona's board of directors convened on Thursday for a routine meeting focused on the preseason preparations for the men's first team. This year, the club will not embark on an international tour due to the conclusion of the World Cup on July 19, which makes it challenging to ensure the availability of all star players. However, the team is set to have a training camp at the English Football Association's facilities in St. George's Park, located near Birmingham, which is expected to commence at the end of July and last for approximately two weeks, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo.
Additionally, the board discussed potential offers to participate in two friendly matches, one in Kenya, likely in Nairobi, and another in Morocco, which was previously highlighted by the publication months ago. While the specific opponents for these matches remain uncertain, there is speculation that Liverpool could be the contender for the game in Kenya, while a local team may be selected for the fixture in Morocco.
Insights on Upcoming Competitions and League Schedule
During the meeting, the board also reviewed the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy, for which an opponent has yet to be finalized. Ajax has been mentioned as a possible rival, but the Amsterdam club is awaiting clarity on its schedule, particularly regarding its potential qualification for the Champions League or Europa League, which might affect their availability due to preliminary rounds. Currently, Ajax, managed by Òscar Garcia, sits fourth in the Eredivisie table, trailing the second place by four points, which would guarantee direct access to the Champions League group stage.
Looking ahead to the start of the 2026-27 La Liga season, the opening matches are scheduled for the weekend of August 15 and 16. However, Javier Tebas, the president of the Spanish football league, indicated last Tuesday that teams with players progressing deep into the World Cup may not debut until August 22 or 23, in the second matchday. Consequently, the first matchday will be postponed and held during the week of August 25 or 26, between the second and third matchdays (August 29-30).
The first league break, after seven domestic matchdays, is expected to occur post-September 20, featuring four international matches instead of the usual two within a span of two and a half weeks. La Liga will resume on the weekend of October 10 and 11. The Champions League, with the group stage draw scheduled for Thursday, August 27, in Monaco, will commence earlier than ever before, with matches set for September 8-10 and the second matchday on October 13-14. The final is slated to take place on June 5, 2027, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
As reported by mundodeportivo.com.
