After three weeks of intense physical, tactical, technical, and mental preparation, a period that included a mini preseason at the CT of the Hotel Fazenda China Park, in São Domingos, Espírito Santo, as well as training in Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo's U-20 team is ready for two important debuts this week. This Thursday, coach Maurício Souza's team begins its journey towards the unprecedented Copa do Brasil title by hosting Ceilândia (DF) at the Estádio da Cidadania, in Volta Redonda, at 18:30 pm. On Sunday (17), the Garotos do Ninho change the key and begin their work towards the second Rio de Janeiro championship at Gávea against Goytacaz, in a duel scheduled for 16 pm.

Two months have passed since the U-20's last official match, still valid for the São Paulo Cup, in January, but little has changed for the team, which has the advantage of chemistry and maintaining its core. Of the 25 players who made up the red-and-black roster for the Copinha, only two are no longer part of the Mais Querido squad: defenders Patrick, on loan to FC Midtylland in Denmark but still under contract with Flamengo, and Aderlan, whose contract was due to expire soon and was released to pursue new paths. In addition, forward Vitor Gabriel has joined the professional squad.

Three new players arrived to reinforce the team at the end of the season: Matheus França, a right-back who was part of Londrina's professional team, defender Habraão Lincon, who came from Primavera, and Colombian striker Luiz Mezu, who played for Atlético Colômbia and is already training with the team, still in the adaptation phase to Brazilian football.

"I won't deny that I'm very excited about making my debut with this Sacred Mantle. It's the biggest club in Brazil and one of the biggest in the world, and being here is the realization of a big dream for me and my family. I feel prepared to perform at a high level and live up to the expectations placed on me," said Matheus França, who added: "I was very well received by the entire group, and I can already say I feel at home. Now it's time to step onto the field, honor this beautiful jersey, and win many titles for the Red-Black Nation," concluded the Mais Querido's new signing.

In addition, several U-17 Copa do Brasil champions have moved up a category and will now join the U-20 squad. Below is the official list of the 23 players selected for the match against Ceilândia.

- Pedro Caracoci

- Victor Hugo

- Yago Darub

- Lucas Freitas

-Natan

- Nathan

- Italo

- Luis Gustavo

- Matheus França

- Pablo

- Ramon

- Vitor Ricardo

- Gomes

- Henry

- Lucas Gabriel

-Luiz Henrique

- Marx Lenin

- Vinicius Souza

- Bill

- Rhyan

- Rodrigo Muniz

- Wendel

- Yuri

Celebrating this week's birthday, coach Maurício Souza spoke about his expectations for the season's competitions, and also about the importance of the preparation period the team has undergone in recent weeks.

"Without a doubt, having this preparation period was crucial for honing the team's technical, tactical, and physical aspects, despite having lost some training time due to all the events. As usual, the club and the board provided us with all the support and structure necessary to have another good season. Regarding the squad, we were able to fill some positions where we were most lacking, in addition to promoting some excellent players from the U-17 category. I consider our U-20 team today to be a very homogeneous group, with a lot of quality and kids who really want to win in this jersey. We hope to have a year as brilliant as the 2018 season," concluded the coach.