Fertiberia begin preparations for their return to Asobal

Fertiberia Balonmano Puerto Sagunto have begun preparing for the new season. After securing their return to Asobal last June, the red-and-whites will compete in the top tier of Spanish handball under Vicent Nogués, aiming to remain in the division.

Almost the entire squad underwent medical examinations at the Instituto Salud y Deporte at midday and, once the centre's doctors had given the players the all-clear, they arrived at the Ovni to begin training. At 8 p.m., club president Juanjo Bataller; Sagunto mayor Dario Moreno; Sports Councillor Javier Raro; and the director of the Fertiberia plant welcomed the players, together with dozens of fans eagerly awaiting the start of the season.

The red-and-white club president stated that “the objective is to remain in the division, but we have to give everything on the court. The fans may forgive you for not winning, but never for not fighting. We are aware that the squad is small but strong; if we can avoid injuries, we are more than capable of staying up and remaining in Asobal. Although that is the objective, there are no limits”.

For his part, Sagunto mayor Dario Moreno welcomed the players and thanked the entire club for achieving promotion to the top tier of Spanish handball last June. The mayor highlighted that “you are ambassadors for the city throughout Spain, but also here. You set an example for other clubs and citizens. You have a responsibility because many people look to you. We have incredible supporters and Sagunto Town Council will provide all the necessary support. This is a collective project and, by working together, we will maintain our status and, why not, go further”.

Sports Councillor Javier Raro pointed out that the team is “an ambassador for the city throughout Spain, and I encourage you to give your very best. Thanks to Fertiberia, the smaller sponsors and the fans, who are the most important part of this project. Give everything, remain in the division and finish as high as possible”.

Finally, the director of Fertiberia's city factory thanked the team and the board for returning them to the top tier.

During these first days of pre-season, coach Vicente Nogués and his technical staff will have to cope without Óscar García, who is competing in the Under-19 World Championship with the Spanish national team, and Guillermo Corzo and Alex Pozzer, who are competing in the Pan American Games in Lima.

The coach has one of the new signings, Alex Tello, available. He has been joined by six young players from the red-and-white academy, selected by Vicent Nogués and the Academy's Sporting Director, José María Gabaldón, to move closer to making their first-team debuts. Specifically, these are academy players Javiel Olivares, Iván Urbano, Guillermo Martínez and David López, along with the new Primera Nacional players from Toni Malla: right-back Alex Ortega, from Sant Cugat; pivot Jordi Manero, from Cambrils; and BM La Roca left-back Arnau Fernández.

Before their league debut in Cuenca, the red-and-whites will play five pre-season friendlies. The matches will begin on 14 August in Granollers. On the 20th they will face Balonmano Ciudad Encantada at the Ovni, on the 24th in Benidorm, on the 28th against Algemesí at the Ovni, and on the 31st the Valencian Community Cup Final will take place at the Ovni, once again against the Alicante side BM Benidorm.

Translation produced using artificial intelligence.