Gonzalo Pineda highlights the physical demands of the friendly against the Philadelphia Union.

Atlas coach Gonzalo Pineda was pleased with his team's preparations in the first weeks of preseason and said that this Saturday's match against the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park in Philadelphia will be a demanding but ideal test to measure the team's progress towards the 2025 Apertura tournament and the Leagues Cup .

"We're coming out of a very intense phase, with double sessions, and the group has responded quite well, both physically and in terms of our game style. We've only been training for a week and a half, but this match will be the perfect conclusion to this first phase," commented the Mexican coach.

Pineda acknowledged the quality of the opponent they will face on U.S. soil. “Philadelphia is doing very well, leading the MLS, has good players, and their new coach, Bradley Carnell, has done a great job. But beyond the opponent, what matters to me is seeing how we're doing in our process, understanding what we're building.”

Although the coach admitted that Atlas isn't yet in competitive rhythm, he sees this friendly as a valuable opportunity. "We accepted this match because we knew the physical demands would be great for us. They may be more coordinated and have more rhythm, but that's precisely what we're looking for: that level of intensity that will make us grow."

He also emphasized the importance of adapting to the environment and style of MLS teams . “The environment changes in the United States: from the hotels to the food. Getting used to that is also part of growing up. Philadelphia has a very different style than what we'll see with Inter Miami, Orlando, or Atlanta, but this type of experience will test us and serve as real preparation for what's to come,” concluded “Gonzo” Pineda.

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