Preseason Schedule

Knock-Knock

John heard the knocking on the door and raised his head from the book he was reading.

"What are you reading?" Sean asked with curiosity.

Sean knew John before the accident, and he knew that John wasn't fond of reading, so he wanted to know. There were many changes in John since the accident, but they were for the better, so Sean didn't bother John to get an answer. It still made him curious though.

'Maybe, it's because of losing his father' Sean thought.

Sean knew what losing family was like, and it changed people.

"It is the book by our new set pieces coach." John said as he put down the book titled That Extra 30 Percent.

"So, this is the book that led you to him?" Sean said.

"Well, you can say so." John replied, "So, Sean, what's up?"

"You wanted to know about the preseason games schedule?" Sean said in a questioning tone as he sat down.

Before leaving on the trip to get the transfers done, John had handed over the responsibility of arranging preseason friendlies to Sean. Preaseason friendlies were very important for a club to check out their new players, try different tactics and allow players to get used to their teammates and the manager.

"Yeah, I had a talk with Simeone and we decided to increase the number of preseason friendlies from 3 matches to 5 matches." John said.

Leicester's whole squad was entirely changed from the last season. There were new players competing for a starting spot at every position.

"Why?" Sean asked.

"The players that are joining our clubs are unfamiliar with each other and the manager and the tactics that Leicester is going to employ this season." John said, "Many of our players are also from other countries, so it would be difficult for them to get used to the style of the teams in the Championship."

Sean listened intently, he was good with money, but he also felt he should learn about football more if he was going to work here.

"So, I felt they would adapt to the new environment quicker if they played more matches, and Simeone agreed." John said.

"But doesn't it also increase the chances of injuries." Sean said, "Our squad is already thin, we have 22 players for the new season and we are going to make one addition that takes the tally to 23 players for the next year."

"Several of our players are also very young who aren't at their peak physically, and also suffer the risk of burning out towards the latter end of the season." Sean finished.

"Well, these are the concerns that we discussed, but starting the season well is more important for us because otherwise, it could affect the confidence of our players and fans." John said, "So, the risks you pointed out are valid, but we have to take them because the benefits outweigh the risks."

"So, here's the schedule." Sean said as he read from a paper, "We play Wolves on 17th July, Swansea City on 24th and Southampton on 30th July."

"Our season starts on 11th August, so that means we only have time for one match after the Southampton game." John said.

"Yeah" Sean said.

"So, try to arrange a friendly match before the Wolves game and one after the Southampton game, but before 5th August." John said.

"That is a bit of a problem. It is going to be quite difficult to arrange the games because the schedule of most of the teams is already set." Sean said.

It was true. John had thought of that too, but there were always ways around things.

"Well, try to find a team in League one that is open to it. If not, we can get a team from League two, the important thing is getting the players the game time to get familiar with the tactics." said John.

While it would be helpful if they could get a team from Championship to play against, the more important thing was to get players match-ready and not the level of competition.

"We also have a list of players who we have to send on loan. Try with the teams in leagues below us we have good relations with and are going to send players on loan there." John said.

"Alright." Sean said.

"Wait," John said as Sean got up to leave, "I'm also coming with you."

"What?" Sean said.

"Well, I have to check with Michael about the transfers, it's time we got started on recruitment even if we haven't found the perfect candidate. It's already 13th June." John said.

John left his office alongside Sean. Michael's office wasn't far from John's office so he reached there in no time.

"Hey, Michael." John said when he saw Michael walking quickly towards his office.

"Yeah, boss" Michael replied.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" John said.

"It's already 13th June, the players are going to be back on 18th and we have to complete transfers before 18th June." Michael explained expressionlessly.

"Well, that seems to be a good reason for hurrying." John replied.

They both entered the Michael's office.

"So, what's our progress regarding the transfers?" John asked as they sat down.

"John, I was just going to discuss with Mr. Simeone regarding the transfers. There are no other defensive midfielders that fit our profile that we can sign." Michael said.

"So, what did he say?" John asked.

"He told me that he was watching their films when I asked him yesterday and he will be here shortly to tell us the results." Michael replied.

Simeone had been busy watching films ever since he came to Leicester. He was watching the matches of the players they had signed in the transfer window, he was watching Leicester's matches from last seasons and watching other Championship matches to get familiar with the football in England's second division.

Simeone had never played in England, so he wasn't very familiar with English football. He had played against teams from England in Champions league but he didn't know much about football in Championship. So, to prepare for the new season, he was watching the films.

"You're here." Michael said as Simeone entered the room.