Córdoba CF kicked off pre‑season on July 12 under Iván Ania, who led his fourth opening session, a first in the club’s history. The training took place on the main pitch of Camino de Carbonell and marked the first step before the friendly against Orlando Pirates on July 15.

What happened in the opening session?

Players arrived at the sports centre early, including the 12 new signings and several loaned players. Eder García was the only major announcement of the morning, while Salim El Jebari missed the training. Those who were on loan last season, such as Mati Barboza and George Andrews, also did not appear, as they are expected to remain on loan.

Why is Iván Ania’s role historic?

Until the 2022‑23 campaign, the record for leading the first pre‑season session belonged to Pepe Juncosa, who did it three times in the 1950s. Ania, an Asturian, broke that record by directing the 2026 session, becoming the coach with the most continuity at this crucial moment. His method remains “behind closed doors”, as the club announced in the weekly plan presentation.

What does the friendly against Orlando Pirates mean?

According to the Marbella Football Center website, the match will be played on July 15 at 19:00, open to the public. The South African side, featuring seven 2026 World Cup internationals, usually trains on the Costa del Sol and has previously faced Segunda División teams like Granada and Las Palmas. For Córdoba CF it will be a tough test before the Puertas de Córdoba tournament against Sevilla on July 23.

What’s next in the preparation?

The schedule includes another friendly against Elche in Oliva on July 31. With a tight agenda, Ania will aim to fine‑tune tactics and fitness of the new signings while keeping the discipline that has defined his sessions. Fans spending the summer on the Costa del Sol can closely follow the team’s first steps under his guidance.

Note: Information comes from the club’s official presentation and the Marbella Football Center.