Steve Evans argues that Leeds United are up with Barcelona and Real Madrid in terms of the size of their football brand and stressed that because of the fact, pre-season must be planned carefully.
The Whites head coach does not yet know whether he will be in charge next season, but says he is still in the process of planning pre-season to put in place the perfect preparation for the 2016/17 campaign, to help Leeds hit the ground running.
And Evans thinks that given the size of Leeds and their brand, such things must be carefully planned beyond just picking a date and a destination.
The Leeds boss also drew comparisons between his side's support in Europe and that of Manchester City, who recently played against Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu.
Asked about Leeds' pre-season preparations by BBC Radio Leeds, Evans replied: "We're in the middle of it [planning pre-season] now. We're in the middle of dates – the first thing you learn at Leeds United is you don't just think of a date and a place to go, you have people inviting you to go.
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"So it has also to be right for the brand", the Scot continued.
"Leeds United at the end of the day is one of the most iconic football brands.
"We talk about Real Madrid, we talk about Barcelona, we talk about some of the biggest English clubs in football, who are iconic. Leeds United are up with them.
"Someone showed me a still photo of the Manchester City supporters in Europe in midweek and then showed me a picture of the Leeds United supporters, many years ago, granted, but I think it was three or four times the amount of people.
"The size of this football club is incredible", the Leeds boss added.
Last summer, Leeds headed to Austria for their pre-season tour, before then heading to Norway, under Uwe Rosler. The Whites faced two Bundesliga sides in a big test before the kick off of the 2015/16 campaign.
