Santa Fe completes 15 days of preseason training

The Bogotá team completed 15 days of preseason training under the command of the new coaching staff led by Gerardo Pelusso. The group was focused for a week, training twice a day and emphasizing physical preparation. Now, they are focused on friendly matches in search of the desired level and playing style.

"The work has been intense, we have emphasized the physical aspect, in search of the required fitness for the rest of the season. We have adapted well to the idea of the new coaching staff, we are happy with them. We are in the ideal condition to face the tournament," said Leandro Castellanos.

About the first meeting between the group of players and the coaching staff, goalkeeper Castellanos said: "There was good communication from the start. They are open to dialogue, in a good atmosphere, and they have expressed their goals in the sporting aspect. The group has assimilated them and is striving to reach the desired level that the coach wants, in order to compete and be in the fight for important things again."

One of the most important points on which Santa Fe has agreed is to maintain the winning DNA, a characteristic that has been fundamental for the team to remain in top positions and win titles. This philosophy will continue to be essential in the pursuit of international trophies.

"Many aspects from the previous semester remain the same. Pelusso is very strict tactically, he values organization, execution, and intelligence in that aspect. Additionally, he likes to attack and press high, and that is the DNA of this group," he added.

Castellanos was one of the key players for Santa Fe in the previous semester. Since his arrival at the club, he worked hard to earn a place in the starting eleven, and although the opportunity came after the injury of his "brother" Robinson Zapata, he managed to maintain his position and become a prominent figure. He played 14 matches in the Liga Águila and conceded 10 goals, and in the Libertadores, he played 7 matches and conceded 7 goals, averaging 0.80 goals conceded per game.

However, he now has to earn a place in Pelusso's lineup, as competition with Zapata is back, and the preseason is shaping a favorite.

"We have worked a lot on playing out from the back, maintaining the team and our defensive line away from the goal, as well as staying compact and being leaders. Regarding the competition, in football you always have to compete for the starting spot, no one has a guaranteed position, and it has to be proven day by day and game by game," said Castellanos.

Santa Fe played their third friendly of the preseason against Expreso Rojo on Saturday, and more games are expected next week in order to find the rhythm and playing style desired by coach Pelusso.

"The group is still a bit rigid due to the physical demands, we knew the friendlies would be played that way. Now, we will have more competition to reach the tournaments with a high level. Game by game, we will seek the ideal structure that the coach wants and that we all want in order to compete well," he concluded.