Apparently, the 2022-2023 campaign has finally ended at all levels. As a result, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are the UEFA Champions League champions for the campaign. And their pre-season fixtures are good.
The Citizens were unstoppable in all competitions last season. They won a treble (the FA Cup, Premier League, and UCL), destroying many teams.
Of course, some players have already started enjoying their summer holidays. However, they will soon start gathering capacity for 2023-2024.
Speaking of European top flight leagues. They are expected to start preparing for the next season as soon as possible, as regards their pre-season fixtures.
In addition, many European players are already back on international duties. The UEFA Nations League resumes in June, as Netherlands vs. Croatia kicks off on Wednesday.
Almost all the players are back for international duty. African players are expected to play their AFCON qualifications, while others play international friendlies.
As a result, these players don’t really have enough time to enjoy their summer vacation. Regardless, they are expected to start preparing for 2023-2024 based on their pre-season fixtures.
What’s the usefulness of pre-season fixtures?
Of course, every team that wants to succeed next campaign is expected to embark on pre-season. Because it gives room to gather capacity.
Even though the players are going from one game to another. They still need to undergo the pre-season, because it allows them to build enough momentum.
Most managers discover their starting XI during the pre-season. Because they give all the players enough time to prove themselves on the pitch.
Here are some useful aspects of pre-season;
- It allows to build solid foundation.
- It gives room to build enough fitness.
- It allows build team agility and strength.
- It’s use to gather capacity both defensively. and offensively.
- It improves players technicality ability.
Having seen Manchester City dominate the 2022-2023 campaign. Other teams in Europe’s top-5 leagues are expected to build capacity during the pre-season.
What are Chelsea, United, Liverpool, Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona pre-season fixtures?
Real Madrid fixtures (Carlo Ancelotti)
23rd July,
AC Milan vs Real Madrid
27th July,Â
Manchester United vs Real Madrid
29th July,Â
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
2nd August,
Juventus vs Real Madrid
Los Blancos will start their pre-season on July 10th, while players on international duty will resume on July 20th. That’s three days before their clash against the Red Devils.
They will play their last pre-season match against Juventus on August 2. Meanwhile, the 2023-2024 La Liga season starts on August 12.
Of course, Jude Bellingham has officially joined Real Madrid. As a result, he will start the pre-season with Los Blancos, under Carlo Ancelotti.
Even though it’s just a club friendly match. El Clasico will take place between Real Madrid and Barcelona on July 29, which is expected to be tough and interesting.
Apparently, Karim Benzema has already left Los Blancos. Therefore, the club has Harry Kane and Kai Havertz on their radar, planning to replace the Frenchman.
With that being said, either Havertz of Chelsea or Kane of Tottenham is most likely to join Real Madrid pre-season. The La Liga side won’t hold back next campaign.
Liverpool fixtures (Jurgen Klopp)Â
19th July,
Karlsruher vs Liverpool
24th July,
Greuther Fürth vs Liverpool
30th July,
Liverpool vs Leicester City
2nd August,
Liverpool vs Bayern Munich
The Reds will resume their pre-season on July 8th. Meanwhile, players on international duties will join the squad before the end of July.
Speaking of the pre-season, the Reds are expected to play two games in Germany. Their match against Karlsruher (Bundesliga second division) will kick-off at 5:30pm (BST).
Also, the Greuther Fürth (German second division) clash will kick-off at 12pm (BST). However, it’s expected to be behind closed doors.
In addition, Liverpool will take on Leicester City at the end of July as per the Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy. Of course, they won the trophy against Crystal Palace in 2022.
They will face Bayern Munich at the same venue in August. Obviously, the Reds cannot wait to watch Alexis Mac Allister, playing under Jurgen Klopp.
However, the 2023-2024 Premier League fixtures will start on August 12th. As a result, Jurgen Klopp’s troops have just ten days to prepare for their first game.
Barcelona fixtures (Xavi Hernández)Â
22nd July,
Juventus vs Barcelona
26th July,Â
Arsenal vs Barcelona
29th July,Â
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
1st August,
AC Milan vs Barcelona
Just like their rivals in La Liga. The Bluagranas will resume training ahead of pre-season on July 10th. As a result, those players on international duty will join later.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Balde is expected to miss the first week of the pre-season. Because he’s currently battling an ankle injury.
Barcelona will start their club friendly with Juventus. Of course, they will be facing top European clubs, so as to stay balanced and composed next season.
Amazingly, it’s been confirmed that the Culers will debut their new away kit against Arsenal on July 26th. It will take place in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, it’s reported that Barcelona will complete all their summer signings before the pre-season starts in July. Xavi wants to have everyone on board.
The Blaugranas have many players on their radar. Despite losing Lionel Messi to Inter Miami in the United States of America. They will sign more players to equip the squad.
Manchester United fixtures (Erik ten Hag)Â
12th July,
Manchester United vs Leeds United
19th July,
Manchester United vs Lyon
22nd July,
Arsenal vs Manchester United
25th July,Â
Manchester United vs Wrexham AFC
27th July,Â
Manchester United vs Real Madrid
31st July,Â
Manchester United vs Borussia Dortmund
Apparently, the Red Devils will play six pre-season fixtures. Which means Erik ten Hag’s troops are hell-bent on gathering enough capacity ahead of 2023-2024.
Manchester United were flawless during their previous club friendlies. Of course, it paid off for the Red Devils, who won the Carabao Cup in his first season.
The Premier League chose to face top European clubs in the pre-season, except Wrexham AFC. Obviously, Erik ten Hag doesn’t want to settle for less next campaign.
It’s reported that the Dutch gaffer wants a striker, goalkeeper, and midfielder in the summer transfer window. As a result, the Red Devils may have new faces during the pre-season.
Also, many loaned players will be back for the pre-season. It will allow Erik ten Hag to vet those players again. Even though they are expected to offload some players.
If the Red Devils successfully complete the club sale. Of course, the Qataris would want to invest massively in the club, so as to be balanced and composed.
Chelsea fixtures (Mauricio Pochettino)Â
19th July,
Chelsea vs Wrexham AFC
23rd July,
Chelsea vs Brighton Albion
27th July,Â
Chelsea vs Newcastle
30th July,
Chelsea vs Fulham
3rd August,
Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund
Having been the Blues new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino will resume his managerial job at Chelsea in July. Therefore, he will take on their pre-season games.
Wrexham AFC desires to face top Premier League clubs in July. As a result, they are also expected to face Chelsea. However, the venue is still unknown.
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to vet many players during the pre-season. It’s reported that he wants to reduce the first-team players to at least 25.
Meanwhile, Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku will be joining the West London club in July. They will both take part in the pre-season exercises.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton Albion defeated Chelsea home and away last campaign. However, they will face each other in July as regards their club friendlies.
Also, players like André Onana, Moisés Caicedo and others may join the West London club. As a result, they may participate in the pre-season for the Blues.
Arsenal fixtures (Mikel Arteta)
13th July,Â
Nurnberg vs Arsenal
20th July,
MLS All-Stars vs Arsenal
22nd July,
Arsenal vs Manchester United
26th July,Â
Arsenal vs Barcelona
Despite losing the Premier League title to Manchester City towards the end of the season. Nevertheless, the Gunners will be back for pre-season in July.
Arsenal don’t have many club friendlies. Because they will face Manchester United in August for the FA Community Shield. However, they will face Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing hard for the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United. Which means the Gunners are well prepared for next season.
Arsenal faced Nurnberg in their last club friendlies, having had 5-3 victories. Apparently, they are going to play against the German side in July.
Declan Rice is expected to take part in the Gunners pre-season under Mikel Arteta. Also, they have Moisés Caicedo of Brighton Albion on their radar for next season.
Arsenal are most likely to face Lionel Messi in July. Of course, the seventh Ballon D’or winner has already joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.