Barcelona: All you need to know about the pre-season friendlies

FC Barcelona kicks off their preparations to begin their pre-season friendlies from 21st July onwards. We’ve got all the details covered for you.

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It’s a concerning matter that the Barcelonistes would be starting their pre-season under a lot of uncertainty. The concerning issues tagging along from the last season still are prevalent going into the current season, even after a month and a half.

First and foremost, Lionel Messi‘s contract with Barcelona is expired. Despite the management’s best efforts of assurance and positivity around finalizing the Argentine’s new extension, it’s simply taking too long for the fans’ liking.

"“Everyone has to know where we are, those of us who know about the state of the club are concerned. Like last year, the players helped the club and, if they need to help a little more, they have to make an effort, like me as a coach.”- Ronald Koeman said on Friday."

Secondly, the pressing issue is that the club is yet to make a big sale that would help to control the astronomically disoriented salary structure. To balance the books and help strengthen the squad, the Blaugrana needs to act fast as they cannot announce the new signings if they don’t set the structure right.

Things to look forward to

Barcelona B starlets have been called up to train with Ronald Koeman and his first-team as many youngsters like Juan Miranda, Jean-Clair Todibo, Konrad de la Fuente, Matheus Fernandes, Trincao, Junior Firpo, Carles Alena, and Sergio Akieme have all departed Barcelona this summer to free some space in the salary budget.

"“It’s important for them but they have to that this is a reward and they have to show why they are spending preseason with the first team, and know that their team is Barça B. They have to take advantage of the chance and work hard to keep their place.”- Sergio Barjuan (Barcelona B coach)."

Apart from that, a few of Barça’s regular will not feature for the team in pre-season as several of them are not deemed fit or are injured at this point. Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho are yet to recover from last season’s ailments, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen went under the knife in May. During the Euro 2020, Dembele picked up a knock, one which required surgery.

Details to follow Barcelona’s pre-season

Three pre-season friendlies have thus far been organized by the Culers this time. The first two games are scheduled against Nàstic de Tarragona on July 21 (at 7.00 pm CEST) and Girona on July 24 (same time), both will be hosted at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. For their third and final game, the squad will be heading to Germany to face Stuttgart on July 31 (at 6.00 pm CEST).

As confirmed by the club, the games can both be seen live and worldwide on Barça TV+ and on Barça TV both in Catalonia on DTT, and elsewhere in Spain via subscriber channels.