Araujo Joins Reds in High-Intensity Pre-Season Training

Ronald Araujo wasted no time getting up to speed with his new teammates, joining the Reds’ midweek session just 24 hours after sealing a loan move from FC Barcelona.

The defender, fresh through the door on Monday, was thrown straight into Andoni Iraola’s high-intensity work. Sharp rondos, tight spaces, quick decisions – the kind of drills that tell a player exactly what is expected of him in this side.

Alexis Mac Allister was also back in the thick of it. Having reported for pre-season earlier this week, the midfielder slotted smoothly into the rhythm of the group, adding control and composure to the passing patterns as the tempo climbed.

There was more good news for Iraola. Jeremy Jacquet and Curtis Jones, both absent from last weekend’s clash with AS Monaco, returned to full training and took part in the session. Their presence gave the squad an extra edge, with competition for places already starting to bite before a ball has been kicked in earnest.

The work is building towards a friendly double-header against Como 1907, and Wednesday’s agenda reflected that. Rapid-fire possession games, pressing triggers, and collective drills underlined a clear message: this team intends to hit the ground running.

Pre-season might be about minutes and fitness, but with new arrivals bedding in and key players back on the grass, Iraola’s group is already sharpening its identity for the challenges to come.