Barcelona Summer Tour 2013 stops in China, Thailand and Malaysia

Earlier this year, Barcelona's preseason itinerary included a potential stop in Bangladesh and a far-off friendly -- far, far off -- with Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia, in 2016.

Now thankfully, comes official word via a report at The Star Online with notes that this summer Barcelona will visit Malaysia on 10 August after stops in Shanghai, China (4 August) and Bangkok, Thailand (7 August).

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell recently stated at a press conference per the report that these three destinations would be part of the summer tour; Bangladesh was not listed. This is Barça's fifth tour of Asia in the last 10 years.

For more information please visit FC Barcelona's official website with news on the Asian tour here and here. And for all the details regarding the club's 2013 preseason schedule check here at the official website.

Barclays Asia Trophy 24 and 27 July 2013 Manchester City, Tottenham and Sunderland eager to compete in summer preseason friendlies

Manchester City is returning to Asia and will face rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland in the Barclays Asia Trophy. The football friendly competition will make up a portion of the club's preseason Summer Tour 2013.

Spurs affiliate club South China FC will host the exhibition tournament on 24 and 27 July. Whilst Spurs (2009) and City (2005) have both competed in the event before, this summer will mark Sunderland's debut.

The tournament, revived every two years, enjoyed massive success, both in terms of play on the pitch and media exposure, in Kuala Lumpur (2003), Bangkok (2005), Hong Kong (2007 and 2011) and Beijing (2009).

Hong Kong will for the third time welcome the Premier League clubs to participate in the football friendlies at the national stadium, So Kon Po Stadium.

Per the Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette, commercial partners for the event include Nike, EA Sports, Carlsberg, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Now TV

Video via Tottenham Hotspur official YouTube channel.

First link via Wikipedia.org

Mazinho and Cléo off to Japan

Samba attacking specialists Mazinho, a 25-year-old left-footed player, and Cléo, a 27-year-old Brazilian who wanted to play for the Serbian national team, are off to the J-League.

Mazinho, on loan from Palmeiras, will join Vissel Kobe until January 2014. Cléo, who is also going out on loan to rival Kashiwa Reysol, played last year with 2012 Chinese FA Cup winner Guangzhou Evergrande.


Video via Alan Eduardo Firmino YouTube Channel.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari wants more competitive friendlies

New Brazil national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari noted recently that the CBF, Brazil's football confederation, needs to take a critical look at future friendly matches. Tougher, mentally challenging contests against the world's best are needed as the South American squad preps to host the 2014 World Cup.

"I am going to request that, where possible, we play against the toughest opposition possible," Scolari said.

Brazil's last six opponents include: Sweden, South Africa, China, Columbia, Iraq and Japan. Only Columbia could be considered an upper echelon FIFA member.

Upcoming matches with England (February 2013) and France (June 2013) coupled with the Confederations Cup in June will boost the level of play.