'El Loco' Abreu begins training with Betar

SeThe Uruguayan star began training with the team at Betar Jerusalem's practice facility in Bayit Vegan on Thursday after signing with the club two weeks ago.

By BEN SALES
Uruguayan star Sebastian Abreu began training with the team at Betar Jerusalem's practice facility in Bayit Vegan on Thursday after signing with the club two weeks ago Abreu, who aims to help Betar get into the Champions' League, moved to Israel from Argentinian champion River Plate and said that he is already enjoying his time with Betar. "I haven't practiced yet but I'm happy just to be with the coach," Abreu said before his first training session with his new teammates. "I came to help the club win the championship. These last two days I've gotten to know them. I already know them well from the locker room. I already make jokes and get along well." Betar returned from a week-long training camp in Holland this week and next week will travel to Switzerland for a second summer training camp. The first leg of the Champions League qualifier against Polish side Wisla Krakow at Teddy Stadium will be played on July 30, it was announced this week. The second leg will take place a week later in Poland. Krakow's preparations have been continuing this week, with the Polish champions drawing 1-1 with FC Copenhagen of Denmark on Tuesday after defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv 2-0 on Saturday. Next Saturday it will play a friendly against English side Liverpoool, a game which will be televised in Israel on Sport5+ Live. Abreu earned the nickname 'El Loco' due to his fierce devotion to his teams. That spirit came out as Abreu spoke of the upcoming game against Krakow, saying that he would be ready personally and that the team would succeed as well. "It's going to be a tough match," he said. "The teams from Poland are physical and strong but we're ready to beat them. We're ready for the challenge. I'll have enough time to rest before I need to play soccer [again]." One concern for Betar will be the right sided defender position as regular right back Crtistian Alvarez is in jured.