If basing on results alone, they don't matter much. I am more concern about performances.
We could play really, really well and yet not win. We can also play worse than sh*te, and yet record a win. Though it make sense that better results, generally mean a better performance but it is not necessarily always the case.
For me, pre-season is about:
a) players gaining match fitness
b) new players to gel with the teammates (though can be done in training, nothing is the same as a match situation)
c) new ideas and formations to be tested
d) for Kenny, Clarke and maybe even DC to assess and see which ares need to be improved
e) building confidence and preparing the players physically and mentally, as stated
f) players who have performed below par know they need to step it up during the season if they are not shipped out before then!
Losing during pre-season may also help as stated to see which areas need to be improved. For example, based on the Asia tour, it was pretty obvious our defence needs some sorting out, having conceded 6 goals in total in China and Malaysia.
All in all, whether negative or positive, pre-season helps the players, the team and the manager.
« Last Edit: Jul 26, 2011 04:41:56 am by Adryan »
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