The Lilywhites safely avoided a frightening natural disaster shortly after landing in Auckland for their vital overseas tour.
The N17 faithful woke up to alarming reports today regarding a dangerous natural disaster overseas. New Zealand suffered a severe 5.9 magnitude earthquake just hours after the senior squad touched down on Saturday morning. Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi and his players safely avoided the epicentre, which hit 146 miles south of their Auckland base near Taumarunui.
Geonet officially tracked the seismic event and labelled the tremor as severe. Authorities warned residents to remain cautious of incoming aftershocks this weekend. The North Londoners are based nearly 150 miles north of the affected zone and avoided feeling strong tremors.
The travelling party received emergency mobile phone notifications about the incident. While numerous earthquakes hit New Zealand annually, residents felt the full force of this specific morning shock. Evening Standard journalist Arthur Ferridge highlighted the severity, writing ,“Some locals were quoted in the local press as saying it was the strongest quake they had felt for some time.”
Thankfully, local authorities reported zero injuries despite noting some minor structural road damage. The Lilywhites will press forward with matches against Auckland FC, Sydney, and Chelsea.
Roberto De Zerbi must navigate opening exhibition fixtures without crucial senior players
The travelling squad faces the reigning A League champions at Eden Park early on Sunday morning for UK viewers. The ambitious tactician left several prominent first team figures back at Hotspur Way in London to complete vital medical protocols. Attacking stars Xavi Simons, Mohamed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert all remained in England to continue their injury rehabilitation programmes.
Furthermore, the club granted six total players extended rest following their arduous summer World Cup campaigns. Club captain Cristian Romero and English fullback Djed Spence received additional time off before rejoining their teammates. The manager must now rely heavily on alternative options and academy talents during this opening fixture.
Delivering a disciplined tactical performance remains the primary focus for the entire roster despite the frightening morning disruption. The passionate supporters expect a resolute display against local opposition.
