FC Andorra Kick Off Pre-Season with Medicals and Training in Sweltering Heat

FC Andorra completed medical checks and its first pre-season training session Monday at Estadi Comunal Joan Samarra Vila in Andorra la Vella, under intense heat, 37 days after last season's 1-0 defeat at Burgos. This marks the start of the club's fourth professional campaign.

The group of 22 players gathered Monday morning for assessments at Ordino's Centre de Tecnificació Esportiva, with tests continuing through Tuesday. Coach Carles Manso addressed the squad before fitness coach Aitor Yeto led activation exercises, rondos and passing drills in a low-intensity opener. Director general Jaume Nogués was present alongside an expanded technical staff.

Thirteen of the 14 holdovers from last season took part: Nico Ratti, Gael Alonso, Bomba, Thomas Carrique, Martí Vilà, Diego Alende, Dani Villahermosa, Efe Akman, Sergio Molina, Marc Domènech, Álex Calvo, Lautaro de León and Josep Cerdà. Théo Le Normand remains sidelined by a long-term injury.

New signings included right-back Juan Sebastián, a 24-year-old Zaragoza native who joined on a free transfer until 30 June 2028, with an optional extra year. The 1.87m defender, a Zaragoza youth product, made 28 senior appearances—including a Copa del Rey goal—and started 28 league games on loan at Alcorcón last season, providing four assists with strong contributions on both flanks. Hugo Solozábal, Moró Sidibé and Aron Rodrigo also featured, while Andoni López is due soon after a short break.

Returning loanees Aitor Uzkudun (three goals in 13 games at Real Avilés) and Berto Rosas (18 goals in 31 matches at Logroñés in 2ª RFEF) reported but trained separately due to injuries. Rosas, out since last season's end, aims for a September return. Molina followed an individual plan for lingering issues.

Gimnàstic Manresa prospects—midfielder Tiago Olmedo, goalkeeper Jan Lagunas, forwards Saba Samushia and Stefan Golubovic—joined the session.

The technical team grew with five additions: physiotherapist Ian Lanuza (from Vietnam's Ninh Binh), fitness coach Dani Múrcia (from the FAF), analysts João Duarte (from Denmark's Midtjylland) and David Vilanova (returning from Hércules), and set-piece coach Antonio Sánchez (from Ceuta). Veteran physio Oriol Pastor departed after four seasons.

Priorities remain goalkeepers beyond Ratti and Lagunas—with interest in loans like Alavés' Jesús Owono or Jastin García—a striker, central defenders and midfielders, targeting a 25-player squad blending youth and experience. Young arrivals like Sidibé and Rodrigo must prove themselves, with loans possible. Iván Rodríguez heads to Osca on loan after 18 games and two assists with Villarreal's 1ª RFEF reserves.

The squad trains again Tuesday at the Comunal before heading Wednesday to Murcia's Pinatar Arena camp in San Pedro del Pinatar.