The Betis squad's first training session at Pinatar Arena started at 9.30 AM; Julio Velázquez's pupils will play their first pre-season match during their stay here. The match against Brighton & Hove Albion, from the English Championship (2nd Division) will be the perfect test for the coach from Salamanca's team. At every training session the coach keeps up the high level of demand that he wants to maintain throughout the season. This will be the perfect opportunity to check the advances this Betis team has made so far since they started their preparation on Sunday 13 July. 

Velázquez, who is still implanting his methodology, has been specifically focussing on physical activity in recent days in order to build up the pace to reach the intensity required for the forthcoming season. Consequently, the Real Betis manager prepared a training session this morning on one of the pitches at the Pinatar Arena complex. There have also been diverse activities oriented towards tactical matters, the results of which should be evident in the friendly match against the English team.

The team has seven days ahead of them in which, apart from training sessions, they will play three friendly matches. After the match with Brighton & Hove Albion, the Heliopolitan team will confront FC Cartagena (20 July) and Elche CF (22 July), matches that will not only allow them to try out tactical formations but also the players in the squad in order to lay down some solid foundations.

A first day of work at San Pedro del Pinatar in which the group did not include Nosa Igiebor, Braian Rodríguez, Juanfran and Lolo Reyes. Both the Nigerian midfielder and the Uruguayan forward did some specific exercises under the supervision of the physiotherapist, Fran Molano. Meanwhile, Juanfran and Lolo Reyes followed a recovery programme to improve their injury problems.