Tottenham’s Pre-Season Friendly Against Leicester Cancelled Due to Heavy Rain
Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Leicester City in Bangkok has been cancelled due to heavy rain, which left the pitch waterlogged. The game was part of Tottenham’s Asia-Pacific tour and was scheduled to kick off at the Rajamangala Stadium.
The decision to cancel the match came after several pitch inspections following a downpour, with the surface being deemed “unplayable and unsafe.” Tottenham released a statement saying, “Tonight’s friendly against Leicester City has been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch and adverse weather conditions. The event organizers, based on a recommendation from the match officials, deemed the pitch at the Rajamangala National Stadium unplayable and unsafe following heavy rainfall in Bangkok.”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his disappointment and thanked the traveling fans for their support. In a message posted on Twitter, he said, “We are disappointed that tonight’s game against Leicester City has been cancelled. Thank you to all our fans who came out to support us. We appreciate your continued support.”
The players had come out to warm up after the rain appeared to relent, but around 40 minutes after kick-off, Tottenham confirmed that the match would not go ahead. This came after Postecoglou had made four changes to the side that lost 3-2 to West Ham in Perth.
Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Son Heung-min had all been named in the starting line-up against recently-relegated Leicester. However, news of the postponement came before the match could begin.
Despite the cancellation, Tottenham will continue their pre-season preparations and fly to Singapore on Sunday evening for a game against Lion City Sailors on July 26.
Pre-season friendlies are an essential part of a team’s preparation for the upcoming season. They provide an opportunity for managers to assess their players’ fitness levels, try out different tactics, and build team chemistry. However, unforeseen circumstances like adverse weather conditions can disrupt these plans.
In this case, heavy rain in Bangkok led to a waterlogged pitch, making it impossible for the match to take place. The safety of the players is of utmost importance, and playing on an unsafe surface could lead to injuries.
While the cancellation may be disappointing for both the teams and the fans, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of the players. Postponing the match ensures that they do not risk their health and can continue their preparations for the upcoming season without any setbacks.
Tottenham’s Asia-Pacific tour is an opportunity for the club to engage with their international fan base and expand their brand globally. These pre-season friendlies allow fans from different parts of the world to watch their favorite players in action and create lasting memories.
Despite the cancellation, Tottenham’s fans in Bangkok showed their unwavering support by turning up for the match. Their dedication and passion are a testament to the club’s global reach and the strong bond between the fans and the team.
Tottenham will now shift their focus to their upcoming game against Lion City Sailors in Singapore. This match will provide another opportunity for Postecoglou to assess his players and fine-tune his tactics ahead of the new season.
Pre-season friendlies are also a chance for new signings to integrate into the team and showcase their abilities. Players like Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Son Heung-min, who were named in the starting line-up against Leicester, will have to wait a little longer to make their mark on the pitch.
As Tottenham continues their pre-season preparations, they will be hoping for better weather conditions and smooth proceedings in their upcoming matches. The cancellation of the friendly against Leicester serves as a reminder that external factors can sometimes disrupt even the best-laid plans.
In conclusion, Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Leicester City in Bangkok had to be cancelled due to heavy rain and a waterlogged pitch. While disappointing, the safety of the players is paramount, and playing on an unsafe surface could lead to injuries. Tottenham will now focus on their upcoming game against Lion City Sailors in Singapore, where they will continue their preparations for the new season. Despite the cancellation, the dedication and support of Tottenham’s fans in Bangkok highlight the club’s global reach and the strong bond between the fans and the team.