Why the Foreign Friendlies?

[The Bedlington Terrier]

It's Genk today followed by Benfica at the Estadio do Restelo on Tuesday, July 25, before heading off to Spain to play Real Betis at the Estadio Nuevo Colombino on Friday, July 28. The Clarets end their pre-season in Germany when we play Mainz on Saturday, August 5.

Why?

[wanderlust]

It's Genk today followed by Benfica at the Estadio do Restelo on Tuesday, July 25, before heading off to Spain to play Real Betis at the Estadio Nuevo Colombino on Friday, July 28. The Clarets end their pre-season in Germany when we play Mainz on Saturday, August 5.

Why?

Apart from them being a good test - I know Mainz 05 fairly well as my sister in law is married to a German guy and my nephews support them and they're a strong side - it's good for building interclub relationships with a view to future signings in the European pond VK likes fishing in.

Either that or it's an early dress rehearsal for your CL journey in 24/25

[WillPark]

I think you’re spot on with both Wanderlust. Plus we are trying to build a fan base internationally. Next year we’ll be in the US as well

[malwayne]

I disagree. It’s a good to have a trip abroad to test yourselves against half decent opposition, but what about playing one game at home, where the loyal fans can get in the mood for the new season ? It appears the fans are being forgotten about this time round. There can’t be many clubs who haven’t played a pre season friendly in front of their fans and not behind closed doors . A big mistake.

[wanderlust]

I disagree. It’s a good to have a trip abroad to test yourselves against half decent opposition, but what about playing one game at home, where the loyal fans can get in the mood for the new season ? It appears the fans are being forgotten about this time round. There can’t be many clubs who haven’t played a pre season friendly in front of their fans and not behind closed doors . A big mistake.

Sorry - thought BT's question was "Why are the club doing it?" not "Is it a good idea to do it?"

As it happens, I also think they should give the fans an early look at the squad. That said, we've played some friendlies in England and we've been average at best, but that's possibly because we've used tons of subs every game including bringing on a few from the development team - and we're still 4 or 5 signings short of replacing those that have been let go - so it's difficult to assess where we're at anyway.
I'm sure Everton and West Brom will show us later this week

Thing is you won't get friendlies against Premiership quality opposition unless you go abroad or play e.g. the Old Firm.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

We lost 2-0.

[WillPark]

That's gonna happen to us quite a bit this year BT and as I have understood VK, not something he's worried about. He wants to test the team against tough teams.

[WillPark]

Who was or goalie?

[alfinyalcabo]

Trafford started.

[wanderlust]

VK reaction to Genk