Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo recently said that Los Colchoneros have agreed to play Barcelona in Miami this December. Given the potential implications of La Liga games in the USA, we asked former Real Madrid footballer Steve McManaman about the idea of La Liga matches being played abroad.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all [about the news of Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid possibly moving to Miami],” McManaman told World Soccer Talk. “Javier Tebas is always on the front foot when it comes to making revenue. If he thinks he can make revenue by moving a match to America, he will do it.”
When asked whether a Real Madrid vs. Barcelona league match could be played in the US, ESPN co-commentator McManaman said, “I think it could be.” It all comes down to who will be willing to give up their home match though, he said.
“I will be very surprised in the near future if Real Madrid agree to concede a home game,” ‘Macca’ explained. In his eyes, Los Blancos make too much money playing at the Santiago Bernabéu. Conflicts with Tebas and Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez are also an issue, says McManaman.
On the other hand, Barcelona, with their financial issues, and Atletico Madrid –who have smaller matchday revenue and a smaller global brand than Barcelona and Real Madrid – are perfect teams to bring abroad.
Whichever teams end up going, McManaman is confident that La Liga matches will be played in the US someday.
“The market is there, the money is there, and many fans can’t afford to go to Spain. If you can bring the team to them and you can bring a good crowd and good revenue, La Liga will do it.”
For the sake of everything that makes La Liga and European soccer great, let’s hope McManaman is wrong.
Another step in a worrying trend
La Liga matches abroad would give potentially hundreds of thousands of fans in the US and other countries a once-and-a-lifetime opportunity to see Barcelona,…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/steve-mcmanaman-la-liga-will-bring-games-to-usa/
Author : Cody Aceveda
Publish date : 2024-10-27 19:13:58
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