Etienne ready for Tour quest

Team bonding is an important part of pre-season tours, according to Etienne Capoue.

Our French international midfielder is looking forward to our trip across the Atlantic next week – with friendly matches against MLS sides Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC and Chicago Fire on the agenda in what will be Mauricio Pochettino’s first three games in charge.

Our Premier League campaign starts in mid-August with a trip to West Ham, with Etienne of the opinion that our pre-season excursions will help to put us in the best possible shape for the big kick-off.

“With the Premier League season just around the corner, the tour will be very good for team bonding,” said Etienne, who has made 18 appearances for us in all competitions, scoring once, since joining from French side Toulouse last summer.

“It can also boost team spirit when you all go away together and play against some of the biggest teams in the US and Canada.

“They’re good friendly games to play – it will be great to see Jermain Defoe again when we play Toronto – and all three teams have some very good players.

“It’s clear that the MLS is growing season by season.”