Ricardo Lagos on the start of Liga 1 against Atlético Grau: "The debut will be in a challenging venue."

Alliance Lima had their first training of the year this morning, where the players had the opportunity to continue strengthening their skills, to be ready for their upcoming international friendly against Junior de Barranquilla. Among those present was Ricardo Lagos, who is aware that it will be a tough but exciting championship.

"We are very hopeful to start this 2023 on a high note. Last year was great, as we met our goals, now we have to think about becoming champions again," said the Intimo defender, at the end of the training in Cieneguilla. He also referred to the first match they will have in the local championship, which will be played in Piura.

Therefore, the side clarified that "the debut will be in a complicated venue, especially now that it is summer and the sun will be shining strongly, but we will prepare for it with everything we've got". The opponent will be Atlético Grau, a team that has taken advantage of their home field on more than one occasion, so the blanquiazul squad knows they will have to be careful not to fall victim to the inclement weather.

On the other hand, Guillermo Salas' team will participate in the Copa Libertadores this year, starting from the group stage. Although there are still months to go, it is impossible not to have it on the radar. "It will be a great competition for everyone, which we will approach in the best way possible, and we must take it step by step, first thinking about the local tournament and when it's time for the weeks of international competition, we will fully immerse ourselves in that," explained Lagos.

To date, reinforcements have also joined the team, such as Gabriel Costa (the latest addition), as well as Santiago García, Franco Zanelatto, among others. In this regard, Lagos did not hesitate to express that "the new players come with the same illusion, which is to earn a spot, it is a healthy competition".

The schedule of commitments for the Intimos is exhaustive. This Sunday they will play against Junior de Barranquilla, in the 'Tarde Blanquiazul', and then continue training with an eye on the clash against Atlético Nacional de Medellín, in the 'Noche Verdolaga'. With these two matches, the team hopes to be ready for the start of the season, which is estimated to be on January 21.

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