Weiss 'very excited' about first trip to US and playing at 'unreal' stadium

Max Weiss is looking forward to Burnley’s opening pre-season game against FC Cincinnati in the early hours of Saturday morning on his first trip to America. The Clarets are in the USA on a three-game pre-season tour as they prepare for life back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier Division. The Clarets keeper ended that ill-fated campaign as number one and is likely to start the 2026/27 campaign as first choice, especially following the departure of Martin Dubravka who joined Spurs on a free transfer. The 22-year-old German is excited to be back with the squad and can’t wait for the opening game of the tour at the Paycor Stadium, home of Cincinnati Bengals. "It felt good to be fair," he told the club website when asked about Burnley’s first training sessions. "It’s a little hot here but I think we managed that pretty well. "I’m very happy to see the lads and be back in the locker room. "We had a 5-week break, so you enjoy the time off and spending time with family and friends, but when it comes to an end, you’re really, really looking forward to coming back again. "We enjoy the time on the pitch." Weiss, on his first trip to the US, admitted he is excited and described the Paycor Stadium as ‘unreal’. "I’m very excited," he added. "It’s my first time in the US so I’m maybe a little bit more excited than the other boys! "I’m really looking forward to seeing the quality of the teams out here. "I want to just enjoy the cities and the atmosphere and vibe in the US. "It’s going to be amazing." About playing at the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, he added: "It’s unreal! It’s like a whole other world. "The stadium is incredible and they have a great view from the training pitch. "When you see the gym and the locker room, it’s unreal - we can really enjoy it here. "When you see what weights the NFL players are lifting in the gym it’s...wow! "Some of our boys are pretty good in the gym but that’s another level!" After the FC Cincinnati clash, Burnley will then move northeast for a clash with Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Stadium next Sunday before finishing the trip with a game against Real Salt Lake at America First Field on Wednesday, July 15. Burnley investor and former NFL star JJ Watt said he is delighted to see his adopted team playing in America having watched them so much at Turf Moor last season. He said: "I’m very excited to welcome the Clarets to America for our pre-season tour this summer and I am equally excited for football fans here in the US to get a chance to see our historic club up close and personal." Burnley will be back in more familiar territory at the end of the month when they host RCD Espanyol at Turf Moor on Wednesday, July 29 (7:45pm KO).