Tag: preseason

Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta says he deliberately disrupted pre-season plans to teach players to adapt
11 September 2026 Off

Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta says he deliberately disrupted pre-season plans to teach players to adapt

By Total Football News

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal were ready for their midweek Champions League flight delay – because he deliberately disrupted their training and travel plans in pre-season to prepare them.

The Premier League champions were affected by air traffic control issues as they travelled to Italy to face Napoli on Wednesday.

They eventually arrived three hours behind their schedule but manager Arteta said his team were ready because of his methods.

“I

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What can Liverpool fans expect to see during their pre-season tour?
24 July 2026 Off

What can Liverpool fans expect to see during their pre-season tour?

By Total Football News

Liverpool have 32 players out in America, though a handful have only travelled as it was felt best for them to carry on their individual rehabilitation with the squad than at an empty training ground back home.

With the World Cup this summer, it’s understandable that some key names are still missing though Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch will link up with the squad for the second week

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Man Utd 0-1 Wrexham: Andrey Santos makes Red Devils debut in opening pre-season loss in Helsinki | Football News
20 July 2026 Off

Man Utd 0-1 Wrexham: Andrey Santos makes Red Devils debut in opening pre-season loss in Helsinki | Football News

By Total Football News

Andrey Santos made his Manchester United debut as Michael Carrick’s side lost 1-0 to Wrexham in their opening pre-season fixture at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki.

The Brazil midfielder played the first 45 minutes of the game following his recent £50m transfer from Chelsea, although had little chance to impress as United’s new permanent head coach changed every player with his side trailing at the break.

Carrick brought on United’s

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Alejandro Garnacho absent from Chelsea pre-season training
14 July 2026 Off

Alejandro Garnacho absent from Chelsea pre-season training

By Total Football News

Alejandro Garnacho has not joined up with the Chelsea squad for pre-season as the Premier League club actively look to sell the winger.

Chelsea began pre-season training on Thursday for those members of the first-team squad not at the World Cup, but Garnacho was absent from the sessions at Cobham.

The situation is reflective of the 21-year-old’s uncertain future at Stamford Bridge following an underwhelming season after his £40m move

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Jonathan Walters: Stoke City sporting director wants to sign several players before pre-season
22 June 2026 Off

Jonathan Walters: Stoke City sporting director wants to sign several players before pre-season

By Total Football News

Walters previously said he saw the next 12 months as a time for continued improvement rather than setting defined targets.

But, heading into the new campaign, he is adamant over how the team should shape its identity, with possession and energy key factors.

“If you look at our identity on the football pitch I am not a person that wants a goalkeeper to stand on the ball for 20 seconds

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Birmingham City: Blues to face Barcelona in pre-season friendly
18 June 2026 Off

Birmingham City: Blues to face Barcelona in pre-season friendly

By Total Football News

Birmingham City’s preparations for the new Championship season will include a prestigious friendly at home to Spanish champions Barcelona.

The five-time European champions will be at St Andrew’s on Friday, 31 July to face Chris Davies’s team.

The two sides have previously met on five occasions, all in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – now the Europa League – including the 1960 final which Barcelona won 4-1 on aggregate.

“Barcelona are

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Birmingham City to host Barcelona in pre-season
6 May 2026 Off

Birmingham City to host Barcelona in pre-season

By Total Football News

Birmingham City are set to host European giants Barcelona this summer as part of the Spanish club’s pre-season schedule.

Hansi Flick’s side will be based at St George’s Park, England’s national training centre, for approximately two weeks, with their arrival scheduled for 27 July.

They are also expected to play two additional friendlies, one in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and another in Morocco, after departing England.

The exact date of

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