Pre-season games get a hard time from supporters, and I can see why. They look sloppy, the scorelines don't mean much and people are quick to panic. But these matches are mostly about conditioning, experiments and keeping players unhurt rather than producing perfect, high-intensity performances for the cameras.

What these exhibition matches actually are

Think of them as training sessions with an audience. Often played after heavy work earlier that day, players are already carrying tired legs. Managers use the chance to slot new signings in, ask players to try unfamiliar positions and run through ideas without the pressure of competitive points. If something flops, no one loses the title. If it works, that’s a useful indication to build on.

Why they look so tame

There’s a reason lads aren’t lunging into every tackle. Avoiding injury and building match sharpness are the priority. Players are told to be careful, to protect themselves for the proper season. So don’t be shocked if the intensity isn’t there — it’s intentional. The training value is in timing, positioning and getting the shape right, not in producing a high-stakes spectacle.

Fans want answers; managers prefer discretion

Supporters understandably want to see how the team will play and hope these friendlies give a clear picture. Trouble is, many of the useful sessions happen behind closed doors. That keeps tactical plans quiet and lets the staff work free from outside pressure. Sure, closed-door games would spare us the frustration, but they also cut gate receipts — a balance clubs have to weigh up.

At the end of the day, these games are a diagnostic tool, not the season itself. To be fair, you can complain about the display, but don’t take it as gospel. The competitive fixtures will tell the real story. Let’s see what McInnes has lined up when the proper season kicks in.

Written by Angus1812: 9 August 2026

Tags: tactics transfers injury match-review