Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season preparations are underway, with a string of fixtures lined up as they look to move on from a difficult previous campaign. With the World Cup in full swing, the focus is now on the upcoming season and the club's new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, who is already planning his first team's schedule.
The Premier League season has been pushed back to August 22, giving the players more time to recover and prepare. De Zerbi's first team players are expected to return to training in late July, with medical and physical work taking precedence before they hit the pitches. This will be a crucial period for the squad, especially those who have been injured or on loan.
The first summer game for Tottenham will be a friendly against League One side MK Dons on July 22. This will be an opportunity for De Zerbi to assess his players' physical condition and make any necessary transfer or loan decisions. The Italian manager will be keen to get a feel for his squad and their early fitness levels.
Following the MK Dons game, Tottenham will travel to New Zealand to face Auckland FC on July 26. This will be followed by a shorter journey to Australia, where they will play Sydney FC on July 29. These matches will provide a good test for the team and allow De Zerbi to fine-tune his tactics and strategies.
The summer tour will conclude with a high-profile match against Chelsea in the 2026 Sydney Super Cup. This will be a chance for Tottenham to showcase their progress and test themselves against a top-tier opponent. With the new season just around the corner, these pre-season fixtures will be crucial in preparing the team for the challenges ahead.
One thing that stands out is the importance of these pre-season games in setting the tone for the season. De Zerbi will be keen to instill his philosophy and tactics, and these matches will be a key part of that process. The players will also have the opportunity to build team spirit and cohesion, which will be vital for their success.
In my opinion, Tottenham's pre-season schedule is a well-thought-out plan that will benefit the club in the long run. De Zerbi's approach to these fixtures is a positive step forward, and I'm excited to see how the team performs in these matches. The upcoming season promises to be an interesting one for Spurs fans, and these pre-season games will be a crucial part of their preparation.