Liverpool Commercial Director Ian Ayre today spoke of
his delight after the Reds confirmed a two-game tour of South-East
Asia this summer.
Rafael Benitez will take his players to play games in
Thailand on July
22 and Singapore on July
26 as the Reds continue their preparations
for the 2009-10 season.
Having not been to Thailand since 2003, and with the Reds' last
trip to Singapore stretching even further back to 2001, excitement
levels among the club's passionate fan base are sure to reach
fever-pitch when British football's most successful club take on
the national teams of each country.
"Asia is such a hotbed of football, particularly for Liverpool
fans," said Ayre. "We played in Hong Kong a few years ago and the
turn out was amazing. I think it was the first time that the
Premier League's tournament had sold out. It was a sea of red and
white. Both Thailand and Singapore are great markets and it's a
nice opportunity to go and showcase the team.
"We have a massive appeal that has just grown and grown over the
years and so to be able to take the team out there will get a lot
of people excited. I don't think the fans will let us down in terms
of the welcome they will give the players."
While recognising the importance of taking the club to meet its
supporters in different parts of the world, Ayre also insists
crucial pre-season planning will shape the Reds' plans during their
stay in the Far East.
He added: "We will work with the promoters and our supporters clubs
to try and give them as much access to meet the players, or
interact with them, as possible.
"It's important we find a balance between that and team
preparation. Rafa and the coaches have had as much say as anyone in
our schedule, which is right, because while we want to give the
fans a chance to see them, we also want to make sure we are
prepared for the season ahead."
SOURCE
