Deportivo Alavés has kicked off its 2026/27 pre-season in Ibaia with a full squad training under Quique Sánchez Flores, though without Víctor Parada —already in Moscow to finalize his move to Spartak— and players like Nikola Maras or Adrián Pica, whose futures lie elsewhere. The season starts with 0 points in La Liga (4th in the table) and a 0-0 goal record, but the team is already eyeing its next challenge: a Getafe side (7th) visiting Mendizorrotza on February 28, 2027.

Who was missing from the first pre-season session?

The list of absences was long. Víctor Parada, the first-choice goalkeeper, is already in Moscow to formalize his transfer to Spartak, leaving Alavés without its defensive pillar. Nikola Maras, Adrián Pica, Gustavo Albarracín, Tomás Mendes, and Unai Ropero were also absent, all with confirmed departures from the club. Medically, there are no major injuries, though players like Ángel Pérez or Jonny Castro may require closer monitoring in the coming weeks.

Which players stood out in Quique’s debut?

The coach opted for an extended squad, including Izei Hernández, Aitor Mañas, and Grégoire Swiderski, young talents from the youth and reserve teams vying for minutes. In goal, Antonio Sivera and Adrián Rodríguez shared the session, while defenders Facundo Garcés and Ville Koski showed promise. Midfielders Denis Suárez and Ander Guevara set the pace, and upfront, Mariano Díaz and Toni Martínez worked on offensive movements. Parada’s absence forced rotations between Sivera, Rodríguez, and Owono, with Swiderski as backup.

What’s next for Alavés in pre-season?

The club’s focus now shifts to finalizing the squad before the August 31 deadline. Players like Pablo Ibáñez or Abde Rebbach could play key roles in the closing weeks, but the priority remains solidifying the group. The next official match is on February 28, 2027, when Alavés hosts Getafe (7th in the table) in a fixture that will gauge progress after the winter break. Meanwhile, in Ibaia, the grind continues: technical drills, friendly matches, and the hunt for that first goal of the season (still 0 in all competitions).