No pre-season tour this summer

[Jase 43,479]

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/chelsea-ditch-summer-tour-to-avoid-post-world-cup-burnout-as-rivals-head-to-the-usa-9189625.html

Chelsea will not go on a lucrative tour this summer to ensure their squad avoid burn-out next season.

In the last three years the Blues have been to the United States and Asia but Standard Sport understands that with a shorter close season due to the World Cup they have decided to play a series of one-off games in Europe instead.

Trips to North America and South East Asia have been financially rewarding and given Chelsea a great opportunity to increase their global fanbase.

Last year Chelsea went to both continents, playing seven matches and covering more than 23,000 miles.

But with the majority of their squad involved in the World Cup in Brazil, which will also delay holidays and the date players report back for training, a lighter schedule is being planned.

They did the same thing after the World Cup in 2010, with games against Crystal Palace, Ajax, Frankfurt and Hamburg before they played Manchester United in the Community Shield.

An announcement on Chelsea’s pre-season is expected later this month but with the club leading the Premier League by seven points, there is a possibility they will be involved in the annual encounter at Wembley again.

Chelsea will hope that by staying in Europe they can gain an advantage over their rivals who are still going on tours this summer. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are all competing in the International Champions Cup in the United States, which Chelsea played in last summer.

Tottenham are also off to the States in July to play friendlies against Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire. Arsenal have yet to announce their pre-season plans.

[bushman 2,043]

I believe, it was a very smart decision. Stay in Europe & play here.

Even though, these tours are financially lucrative, but if Chelsea can progress further in the CL, plenty of money is coming in.

[KevinAshburner 1,270]

I am very happy with this decision Chelsea FC have made.

[zolayes 14,489]

good decision ... they will have clocked up enough Air miles in any case

[boshman 1,073]

Wise move. It's not very often you can say that about the Chelsea hierarchy.

[didierforever 7,349]

Good. No burn out. And more importantly no travelling

[The Skipper 20,593]

Brilliant.

[Rmpr 8,977]

Horrible, how will we cope with FFP now?

[BloodIsBlue 291]

Horrible, how will we cope with FFP now?

Winning, hopefully.

[Strike 7,217]

squad will benefit. i wonder if this is Mourinho's decision

edit: looks like there was no tour even after 2010 wc.

[Rmpr 8,977]

Winning, hopefully.

That was a joke mate!

[Beepu 1,714]

I can definitely see oscar needing some rest after the WC, he looks tired as he is now. Great decision by Chelsea, just some local friendlies if possible to shake off the rustiness for those who won't be going to the WC.

[We Hate Scouse 10,286]

Wouldn't it kinda make sense to have a pre-season tour in USA considering most of the team will be in Brazil anyway, rather than them come back from Brazil to be ferried all over Europe?

[NiclasCFC 2,582]

Wouldn't it kinda make sense to have a pre-season tour in USA considering most of the team will be in Brazil anyway, rather than them come back from Brazil to be ferried all over Europe?

shouldnt the players have some well earned vacation after the world cup?

[We Hate Scouse 10,286]

shouldnt the players have some well earned vacation after the world cup?

I hear Florida is nice that time of year

[Special Juan 27,429]

Good news this is. We also have to remember these players, all players in fact travel a hell of a lot during the season and some having families do not get quality time with them as they would like. The WC proceeds this season and players will once again be tested to the maximum, not only physically but mentally and whilst some families maybe there there is no place like home.

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

GREAT!

[samzilla 517]

Noooooo. Missed my chance to see Chelsea irl in Seattle by only a few months in 2012, and they didn't come to the west coast last year. Still waiting for my chance to see them live. Hopefully next year.