India’s very first international football pre-season tournament is set to kick off at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kochi on Tuesday. The LaLiga World Tournament features Spanish top flight outfit Girona FC, Australian A-League club Melbourne City FC, and India’s very own Kerala Blasters FC.
Kerala Blasters will get their preparation for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) underway with the tournament under the leadership of head coach David James. The Blasters finished a dismal sixth in the 2017-18 edition of the ISL after starting the season with Rene Meulensteen as head coach. The Dutchman was replaced by James midway through the tournament.
Girona FC, on the other hand, enjoyed a highly successful maiden campaign in Spain’s top flight after achieving promotion in 2017. Partly owned by the City Football Group (CFG), Girona finished a respectable 10th in LaLiga last season and achieved a famous win against Real Madrid at home.
This will be the first time a LaLiga club plays in India.
The third team Melbourne City FC was established in 2009 and have been plying their trade in Australia’s top flight – the A-League. Wholly owned by the City Football Group, the club is managed by former Manchester United reserves coach Warren Joyce. The side finished third in the 2017-18 edition of the A-League.
Also Read: LaLiga World Tournament: Blaster’s Coach David James Confirms CK Vineeth’s Injury
Fixtures
Tuesday, July 24: Kerala Blasters FC v Melbourne City FC – 19:00
Friday, July 27: Girona FC v Melbourne City FC – 19:00
Saturday, July 28: Kerala Blasters FC v Girona FC – 19:00
In India, the Star Sports Network has the exclusive broadcasting rights of the pre-season tournament. The games will be telecast on television as well as their digital platform. Also Online Streaming available on Hotstar. Also TV streaming available on Flowers Channel.
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