Jacob Murphy's Singapore tour diary | OneFootball

Thursday, 24th July 2025/Friday, 25th July 2025

I've never been to Singapore before and it's so cool ticking off new places. I've got friends who have visited and loved it, and others who are jealous that I'm getting to experience it. It's a privilege to get to experience different cultures and meet new fans - I'm always surprised by how many people there are cheering for us wherever we go and how well-supported this club is so far away from home.

The flight was long, but it wasn't as bad as we envisioned it could have been. We had a layover in Dubai for an hour to refuel, and then on the second leg everyone just got their head down and went to sleep.

The idea was that once we once we landed, we'd be in the best possible shape to avoid the jet lag - but that didn't quite happen! You try your best but if it doesn't get you on the first day, it gets you on the second…

We arrived at the hotel, grabbed some food, had a little chill, and then went straight out onto the grass for what was a hard session. It was a pretty gruelling day, especially with the travel and heat, but we're in that adaptation moment right now and while it'll be tough, we know it'll be rewarding.

Saturday, 26th July 2025

This was a scorcher of a day! I don't think many people slept too well last night, but we trained after breakfast and it was more than our usual matchday minus-one session because at this stage of pre-season you're still very much getting after it and the gaffer made sure we were on it. It was extremely hot and therefore really difficult, but when your body's working twice as hard for the same amount of effort that you would be putting in in the UK, it's going to leave us in a better position when we get back.

So we complain about it now, but we know that there's a huge benefit for us at the end of it.

Some of the lads popped out of the hotel later on to look around Marina Bay - there was a fireworks display and jet plane flypast on the evening as the country gears up for its National Day next month - but others stayed at the hotel where we've got pool, darts and table tennis.

The chemistry is amazing throughout the group. Everyone mixes, everyone finds a way to entertain each other and keep spirits high. You've got people crawling under tables after losing at pool - the Brazilians are double-competitive with everything - and the young boys are integrating well and getting involved. We pride ourselves on our team camaraderie and it's good to just hang out with your friends all day.

Sunday, 27th July 2025

The morning was a chilled one ahead of the game, and I slept quite well. We all went on a team walk and grabbed a coffee - I went for a cold brew because it's so hot, and it was delicious.

After that, it was just the usual pre-match routine ahead of facing Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium, which meant we were largely confined to the hotel, but it's a bundle of joy being with these boys.

The humidity was actually okay today. The lovely, state-of-the-art stadium made the conditions a little bit more breathable, albeit still tricky, and what a fantastic test it was against Arsenal.

I'm sure we're both sick of playing each other - it seems like we face each other every other weekend! - but it was an ideal challenge for both teams. I thought both of our XIs implemented what they needed to well, and it was a good encounter which will stand us in good stead going forward.

It was amazing for Elly (Anthony Elanga) to hit the ground running by scoring his first goal for the club six minutes into his first start. When you're a new player, especially a forward, you want to get that first goal as soon as possible - it really settles you down, and now he's got that.

Everyone's delighted for him, nobody more so than myself as a fellow member of the winger's union here at the club!

And for me, it was nice to see a lefty swinger find the back of the net. I was happy with the goal and although we're disappointed about the result, we can be satisfied with the night's work.

Monday, 28th July 2025

We've now arrived safe and sound in South Korea and wow, we were blown away by the love and support by our South Korean fans. Truly mesmerising! With that said, I'm even more excited for us to put on a great show for our fans out here.

The hard work continues. We put in a lot in Singapore and we're looking forward to doing even more, with two awesome games to get us prepared for the upcoming season.

I'm intrigued to see what the K League team have to offer and to get a taste of their league, and then it's on to Tottenham, which is always an intense fixture; tactically and physically demanding. We all thrive off challenges like that - let's go!