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See the full story · 1 sourcesBarcelona’s pre-season friendly in Morocco in jeopardy – here’s why
Barcelona have had a turbulent pre-season campaign so far, especially on an operational level.
One of the club’s friendlies in England against Preston North End was cancelled simply because the opposition did not have enough players.
Now, their upcoming friendly on August 15 against IR Tangier in Morocco could face a similar outcome.
The Morocco friendly in jeopardy
Barcelona have had a thin pre-season break. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
According to Mundo Deportivo , Barcelona’s scheduled clash with IR Tangier is up in the air, despite the fixture being contractually confirmed and even announced locally.
That is because of a migration crisis that has unfolded in Ceuta, which had earlier delayed the match in the first place .
The crisis has been caused by the arrival of thousands of people crossing the border, which has overwhelmed local services and created significant social and political tension in the region.
That situation has forced Barcelona to reassess the feasibility of travelling for the match.
The Catalans have sent representatives to Tangier to evaluate whether the game can safely go ahead, but have stopped short of officially confirming it given the uncertainty.
Club sources have been unable to guarantee the fixture will take place, with the board having already weighed up the pros and cons and even consulted ministerial authorities.
Should the situation calm down, the match could still proceed, particularly given Barcelona agreed to receive €4.5 million for playing it. For now, though, it remains firmly in doubt.
What’s next for Barcelona?
Flick will hope to play the friendly in Morocco. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The Tangier fixture holds added significance as it would have been the first of the summer with Barcelona’s full squad available, with the World Cup-winning internationals due to return to action around August 12.
Should the game fall through, Flick’s pre-season would be left looking rather thin on paper.
It would consist of just two full 90-minute friendlies, against Birmingham and Al-Ahly, following the earlier cancellation of the Preston match, along with a couple of 45-minute outings against Udinese and Nottingham Forest in the Udine triangular tournament on August 8.
That is far from ideal preparation, especially for a side integrating new signings and welcoming back a host of players from extended World Cup breaks.
Nevertheless, the Joan Gamper Trophy against Al-Ahly on August 19 will still serve as the traditional showpiece before Barcelona open their LaLiga campaign against Elche on August 23.
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