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| Jose Mourinho (credit: Playmaker SG) |
It was disappointing not being able to see Jose Mourinho in person when it was announced he and his AS Roma will not be coming to Singapore for the Tiger Cup showdown against one of his former clubs, Tottenham Hotspur in the upcoming Singapore Festival of Football Driven by CDG Zig (SFOF23).
CHAIN EFFECT LED TO NO SHOW
Originally scheduled on 26th July as part of the Italian club's pre-season tour to this part of the world, the three-time "Scudetto" winners scrapped the plan following the cancellation of their two friendlies in South Korea.
In the place of the "I Giallorossi" the organisers announced through a press statement issued on 12th July stated Singapore Premier League (SPL) side Lion City Sailors (LCS) will face the north Londoners instead.
LCS' PREP FOR ACL
In the words of LCS chairman Forrest Li, the upcoming fixture at Kallang is an opportunity to allow his team to prepare for their AFC Champions League (ACL) campaign.
"... Playing against a top team such as Spurs will provide us an opportunity to better prepare for the rigours of the ACL, and also provide a visual treat for our club's supporters," said the CEO of Sea Limited, the company that owns LCS, in the above-mentioned statement.
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| Maxime Lestienne making waves in the SPL |
However, there are some quibbles on the ground why the organisers could not line up another replacement in the form of another European club or some suggested having an "All-Star Team" from SPL facing "The Lilywhites".
It may sound like a good idea to have an "All-Star Team" taking on Tottenham, after all, a similar arrangement was made in 1996 when the various players from S.League clubs came together to take Newcastle United at the old National Stadium.
THE CHALLENGES
However, given such a short timeframe it would be a challenge in many aspects to see the realisation of this team that is to be made up of 'la crème de la crème,' of the local top-tier league.
Such as:
• Availability of the players to come together
• Who is going to coach this "ad-hoc" squad?
• Logistical issues, etc.
Therefore, being one of the partners of the tournament, LCS fits the bills as the replacement for AS Roma on such short notice.
Furthermore, the roster of the Sailors included some of the players with the necessary European experience which should be useful to match those of the north Londoners on that day.
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| Son Heung-min and Harry Kane back in 2019 ICCSG |
Nonetheless, it shall not be surprising if LCS decided to invite some guest players on that day to boost their ranks (a practice that was commonly used by Hong Kong clubs in the past when taking on top European sides).
Although, the bigger question is how to convince those who bought the tickets to hold on to their tickets when the SFOF23 offered to refund those who intend to do so by 12 noon on 21 July?
This is definitely a marketer's problem to solve.
Are they allowed to " invite" selected players from other Clubs to play for them in this game? Some of the Fans raised in regards of gulf of the standard between them, but to be very honest, Spurs is on Holiday mode, maybe they will include some youngsters. Just my humble opinion.
ReplyDelete... not disrespect to the Sailors, but at least give players from other Clubs to experience playing against EPL.
Haiz... atleast (sic) if Sleague selection will be very fair to other player... might as well get albirex yo (sic) represent spore or tampines
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