Thuram opposes Barca's Asian tour

Barcelona's French World Cup and Euro winning defender Lilian Thuram, seen here in June 2007, said Barcelona's tour of China and Japan is not the best way of preparing for the upcoming season.

Barcelona's tour of China and Japan is not the best way of preparing for the upcoming season, the team's French World Cup and Euro winning defender Lilian Thuram said on Tuesday.

"I do not think it is possibly the best way for the team to prepare. But that is how football is and all the big clubs do it nowadays," the 35-year-old said when asked about the tour at a press conference.

"Technical ability is also crucial, but the physical side is still vital too. Training is hard now, but that is normal. We are in pre-season and you have to push yourself to be fit for the whole year," he added.

Barcelona head to China on Thursday. The squad will play three exhibition games during its Asian tour which wraps up on August 11.

It will face Beijing Guoan on August 5 in the Chinese capital and Yokohama Marinos in Tokyo two days later.

Barcelona will then face Mission Hills Invitation XI, a team made up of players from Kitchee FC and Happy Valley FC, in Hong Kong on August 10.

Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, Brazilian midfielder Edmilson and defender Carles Puyol will miss the tour because of injury.

The Catalan giants will also be without Argentina's Lionel Messi and Gabriel Milito as well as Mexico's Rafael Marquez since the three players are on holiday after taking part for the national teams in the Copa America.