PSG lifted the Champions League trophy and that should be that. Except it’s not the newly crowned and thoroughly sports washed kings of Europe are already looking at their next target. The Club World Cup, the tournament no on asked for and yet we can’t escape.
The overlords have created a super league of sorts and not one protest is in sight. Apathy maybe, but outrage is nowhere to be seen.
Your favourite players are off to try and win another trophy. Meaning that there will be extra miles in their legs by the time they kick off their new domestic seasons which are only 8-9 weeks aways.
This new ego trip cold have greater costs. Injuries, title challenges, early European exits. Sadly however, cash is the true desire for many executives over and above titles and cups so time will tell the impact.
Elsewhere there will be the Women’s European Championships, while here in Northern Ireland the women’s domestic season is in full swing and the League of Ireland season continues. Even in this ‘off season’ Futbology still provides options.
Let’s not forget your team will be on pre season tour / home friendlies. There will be pre season games across the globe (again adding miles and travel into players legs). There are already new shirts, the transfer window is open and your current manager may not even still be in post by the time you’ve got to the end of this sentence!
As for me well, like many fans of the game I’m a hypocrite.
I’m off to a Northern Ireland game next week.
I’m making plans to be at some women’s games here and maybe a trip to catch some League of Ireland action.
Yesterday, Newcastle announced a friendly against Athletico Madrid to be held on my birthday and I instantly checked flights and hotel prices.
I’ve looked at tickets for Leeds United v AC Milan in Dublin on the same date.
I’m refreshing my timeline to see new shirts and await season ticket info for my own local club.
Football never ends and sometimes I wonder if in fact the executives aren’t the ones to blame at all.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s me.