Gimnasia Kicks Off Preseason in Uruguay with Double Training Sessions
Gimnasia commenced its preseason training in Uruguay with a rigorous double session schedule. The team utilized the Radisson Victoria plaza Hotel’s gym in the morning for strength training,before shifting to the Montevideo Wanderers grounds for afternoon field activities.
Following the morning’s strength and conditioning, the afternoon session focused on honing passing skills through group circuits and tactical drills to refine play execution. With the first pleasant match against Defensor Sporting scheduled for tomorrow, the team is expected to have a lighter session today, focusing on set-piece strategies.
Head Coach Marcelo Méndez is preparing his squad for the upcoming friendlies despite the absence of Renzo Giampaoli and Pedro Silva Torrejón. The team will face Defensor Sporting tomorrow at 10:00 p.m. at the Luis Franzini Stadium in Parque Rodó,followed by a match against the Uruguay Under 20 National Team on Thursday.
The close proximity of these two games presents a tactical dilemma for the coaching staff. They must decide whether to field mixed teams of starters and substitutes in both matches or concentrate their strongest lineup for one game and utilize the remaining players in the other.
Gimnasia’s initial lineup for the first formal practice of the year featured Nelson Insfrán in goal, with Juan de Dios Pintado, Leonardo Morales, gastón Suso, and Fabricio Corbalán forming the defensive line. The midfield consisted of Lucas Castro, Martín Fernández, and Nicolás Garayalde, while Matías Abaldo, Rodrigo Castillo, and Norberto Briasco led the attack.
Luis Ingolotti could potentially replace Insfrán in goal, and Pablo De Blasis might join the midfield, substituting Garayalde. However, the biggest question mark surrounds the left-back position, where Diego Mastrángelo is vying for a starting spot.
pedro Silva Torrejón, expected to be the starting left-back, is still in Greece awaiting the finalization of his transfer from panetolikos. In his absence, 19-year-old Pedro Galíndez, who impressed in the last Projection Cup, has joined the preseason in Montevideo. Galíndez’s opportunity arises following the departures of Nicolás Colazo, Rodrigo Gallo, and Valentín Rodríguez, providing him with a valuable chance to prove himself at the senior level.
The upcoming matches against Defensor Sporting, the Uruguayan youth team, and Cerro Largo will serve as crucial assessments for Matías Abaldo, Norberto Briasco, and Ivo Mammini, who are returning from injuries.
Recognizing the importance of strong wingers in their attacking strategy, the club’s leadership is actively seeking reinforcements in this position. This proactive approach aims to avoid the challenges faced last season due to inconsistent winger performance and absences.The additions will also create healthy competition for Alan Sosa and Franco Torres, who are returning from loan spells at Aldosivi and Copiapó respectively, allowing them to fight for a starting position on equal footing.
## Gimnasia Kicks Off Preseason in Uruguay with Double Training Sessions
Gimnasia has launched its 2024 preseason with a demanding schedule, opting for Uruguay as their training ground. [3] the players are facing a rigorous double training session regime, maximizing their time in readiness for the upcoming season. Mornings are dedicated to strength training at the radisson Victoria Plaza Hotel’s gym,while afternoons shift focus to on-field tactical work and conditioning. [3]
This intensive preseason schedule is further intensified by a series of friendly matches scheduled against Uruguayan opponents. [1] These fixtures, part of the “Río de la Plata” series, are crucial for the coaching staff to assess player fitness and fine-tune strategies for the upcoming season.
The choice of Uruguay as the training base appears strategic. The contry boasts excellent sporting facilities and offers a competitive environment for preseason preparations. [2] The change of scenery and challenging fixtures likely contribute to enhancing team spirit and mental fortitude.
