Why are Manchester United playing in Hong Kong? Ex-stars debate ‘mad’ tour
Jens Lehmann, Raphael Varane and Graeme Souness discuss merits of post-season trip to Asia, with Arsenal and Liverpool to follow in July
Tours to the Far East by English Premier League teams may offer commercial windfalls but are much less appealing to players, former stars of three of this summer’s visiting clubs have said.
Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann described as “mad” this week’s Manchester United post-season tour to Asia, days after United lost the Europa League final and completed a dismal domestic season.
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness said he would not have been in favour as a player, while ex-United defender Raphael Varane said it was vital to “give some rest” as his old side’s weary squad prepared to trek to Malaysia and Hong Kong. Arsenal and Liverpool will play in Hong Kong in July.
Varane, whose glittering career was ended by injury last year aged 31, said clubs’ packed schedules took a toll. United played 59 matches this season before an Asian trip that will reportedly earn them £8 million (US$10.8 million).
The Frenchman conceded the games – in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday against Asean All-Stars and at Hong Kong Stadium on Friday against the city’s representative team – were “incredible from a marketing point of view and a brilliant chance to connect with the fans”.
“Let’s say the truth, though … the problem is the global calendar, which is not sustainable for the players,” he said after watching this month’s HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens.
“They’re giving joy to the fans, and they want to be capable of performing at 100 per cent to give the best show possible. When you’re playing too many games and travelling too much, you’re not in good condition.”
With a 32-team Club World Cup being introduced this summer, Varane said: “We should find a way to listen more to the players.”