Three players from Atlético de Madrid have already begun their preparation in Majadahonda ahead of the official start of pre-season on July 13.
Atlético de Madrid 2026-27 is already in motion. Although the pre-season does not officially kick off until July 13 at the training ground, three players have decided to get a head start and begin their physical training on their own. Koke, Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso are already training in Majadahonda, while Rodrigo Mendoza is doing so at the Murcia stadium, his home club.
Koke, the captain who never fails
The Vallecas native, at 34 years old, is once again setting an example. After a season in which he was key in Simeone's scheme, performing at a very high level despite his age, Koke aims to be in peak condition for the start of pre-season. This is not new for him: every summer he is among the first to appear at the training ground.
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Barrios and Cardoso, going all out
Pablo Barrios, the latest gem from the Academy, now an important piece for Cholo, is looking for his breakthrough season in the starting eleven. Injuries have hit him hard: he pushed to be in the Cup final and against Arsenal in the Champions League, but he didn't play a single minute in the final, and in the league match prior to the semi-final first leg against Athletic, he suffered another injury that kept him out of the European clash. Now, with his batteries recharged, he wants to show that he is here to stay.
Johnny Cardoso, for his part, has had a challenging debut. The American, who underwent surgery for a partial rupture of his ankle ligament that prevented him from playing in the World Cup, has also rolled up his sleeves in Majadahonda. With the arrival of Hjulmand, competition in midfield is fierce, and everyone wants to be ready to earn their spot.
A message for the fans
That three players are getting a head start on pre-season is not just a matter of physical fitness: it is a message. In a summer where the club has made moves with several signings, the squad knows that there is no room for anyone who slacks off. The training camp in Los Ángeles de San Rafael, which will start on July 14, will be the first test, but these three have already started to rev their engines.
For Atlético fans, seeing Koke, Barrios and Cardoso sweating it out ahead of time is a source of pride. And also a warning: Atlético is not taking a vacation.
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