Gaizka Garitano takes over the reins of UD Almería
The new Basque Country native head coach conducts his first training session on Almería soil on Monday evening
New beginnings. UD Almería newly appointed head coach Gaizka Garitano now takes over the reins of the UD Almería first team and has conducted his first practice on the Anexo training ground at 8pm local time. The Basque country native coach, born in the town of Derio 48 years ago, has put pen-to-paper on his contract with the Andalusian Club until June 2025 (two seasons).
This Monday, he touched down on Almería soil at noon this Monday together with his representative. Shortly after, the members of his coaching staff arrived. From early in the afternoon, Mr Garitano was at the Power Horse Stadium getting to know the facilities and once the players got to the Stadium, he met them in the dressing room, where he was introduced by the Club's Managing Director Mohamed El Assy, accompanied by Sporting Director Advisor João Gonçalves.
Gaizka Garitano began his first training session as the new Rojiblancos' gaffer at 8pm local time at the training base. It was an intense session in which he did not stop talking and giving instructions to his players over approximately one-and-a-half hours.
Twenty footballers participated in the football practice. In addition to the absences, due to injury, of Luis Suárez and Marc Pubill, team-mates Robertone and Edgar, with muscle discomfort, were on the sidelines, although doing ball work on the pitch. Mendes, César Montes, Lopy and Koné also missed out since they are away on international duty with their respective national teams.
UD Almería 'B' youngster Marciano had also been called up to the Guinea Bissau squad, however after his senior UD Almería debut against Athletic Club de Bilbao last Friday, he decided to inform his country's federation that he resigns and will stay in Almería to work along his team. As this is a break for international friendly matches, the Guinea-Bissau native has been allowed to make this decision.
Gaizka Garitano introduced his four backroom team members: coach assistant Patxi Ferreira; conditioning trainer Julio Hernando; team analyst Jon Moreno and also goalkeeper coach José Manuel Santisteban. In-house coaching staff members Víctor Fortes and Ricardo Molina will join them throughout the campaign.
There is no LaLiga EA Sports competition this weekend, but it will be a busy week for the Rojiblancos since they will be put through their paces until Friday in morning sessions, doubling the shifts on Wednesday and Friday evening.
