La Roja Sub 23, the Chilean national soccer team for players under 23 years old, is gearing up for a new microcycle led by coach Eduardo Berizzo and includes a few new faces, such as Damian Pizarro. The squad is preparing for the upcoming U23 South American Championship in Colombia, which serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
During the five-day microcycle, which will take place from August 23rd to August 27th, the team will work on physical conditioning, tactics, and strategy. According to Berizzo, the focus will be on “improving ball possession when we have it, and recovering it quickly when we don’t.”
Pizarro, a midfielder for Huachipato, finds himself among the new players. The coaching staff saw potential in him thanks to his versatility and excellent displays for his club this season. Joining him in this microcycle are also several players who have had previous call-ups to the U23 squad, such as Luis Rojas, Marcelo Allende, and Ignacio Saavedra.
This microcycle is crucial for the national team as it allows the new players to get acclimated to the squad’s playing style and also gives returning players a chance to showcase their evolution and improvements since their previous call-ups.
The U23 South American Championship in Colombia will undoubtedly be a tough competition, with traditional soccer powerhouses such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay also participating. Still, this microcycle under Berizzo’s leadership will be a significant stepping stone for La Roja Sub 23 towards achieving their dream of Olympic qualification.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of microcycles in preparing soccer teams for high-profile competitions. It also showcases how new players can get a chance to prove themselves and make the team.
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