What happened at HPS?

UD Las Palmas kicked off its preparation at the HPS complex on Monday, overseen by Javi Gracia. The inaugural session featured possession drills and a shooting circuit that ended with two goals from Sergio Aguza. The day was used to assess the fitness of summer signings and to fine‑tune the midfield block.

Why is this starting point important?

The side arrives at pre‑season sitting 5th in Segunda División with 73 pts, 20 wins, 13 draws and 9 losses after 42 games, and a recent form of DLWDW. With 57 goals scored and 40 conceded, the +17 goal difference hints at a defence that can still improve. The coach stresses that HPS’s intensity will be vital to close the 9‑point gap to leaders Racing Santander.

What adjustments are expected?

Gracia stated that the priority is ball progression. "We want the ball to leave faster and more accurately," he explained. Goalkeeper coaches worked with Álvaro Vázquez, while the tactical staff reviewed pressing patterns with Jorge Mendoza. New arrivals, such as midfielder Luis Cabrera, took part in transition drills to blend into the system.

What’s next for UD Las Palmas?

After the first session, the schedule includes friendlies against Real Betis B and Cádiz CF B. Those matches will gauge team cohesion before the league kicks off on 18 August. Meanwhile, the board keeps an eye on the transfer market, with rumors swirling about a possible signing of striker Javier Gómez.

The club believes the blend of physical work and tactical tweaks at HPS will provide the solidity needed to chase promotion spots and shrink the distance to Racing Santander.