Preseason for a newly promoted Premier League team is a unique experience. It's filled with hope, new signings and the belief that the club shouldn't be underestimated.

Promotion has instilled a belief in what the manager is doing, and that has been transmitted to the players. For some of the players, it's their first time in the Premier League and they're excited -- they have earned the right to be there, and finally they get the chance to test themselves against some of the best players and clubs in the world.

But from my experience, sometimes that sense of belief can be misleading. The games you play in preseason don't necessarily prepare you for the difficulty of playing in the Premier League.

- Congrats, you're promoted to the Premier League! Now what?

- Premier League 2025-26

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