Flamengo's grueling start to the year has finally come to a halt. Last Monday and Tuesday, the Rubro-Negro's starting team was given time off from training. Defender Fabrício took the opportunity to rest, enjoy time with his family, and get back into his social life. But, starting this Wednesday, the focus is 100% back on the field. The player believes this break was beneficial to the group, which is fighting for the titles of the Campeonato Carioca and the Copa Santander Libertadores.

\

In the last 30 days (up to the match against América on Sunday), Flamengo played nine games. That is, one game every three days. A high average that left the team quite worn out by the end of March. Therefore, the defender welcomed the rest at the beginning of the week.

\

"We are players, but we also have a social life. We have family, friends, and we need to enjoy them too. It was great to have this time off for that, and also to rest a little, because we had a strong pre-season and came from a very demanding start to the year," said the defender.

\

Refreshed, Fabrício reveals that, despite the fatigue, he hopes to be on the field on Sunday against Friburguense. Although the team has already qualified for the next phase of the competition, the player wants to play, but does not rule out being rested if coach Andrade thinks it best.

\

"I always want to play. It's my profession, it's what I like to do, so I always hope to play. But it's in coach Andrade's hands. If he chooses to rest me for the Libertadores game, no problem. Honestly, I don't know what he's going to do, if he's going to rest everyone, but I'm available," he noted.

\

Decisive games
From now on, Flamengo enters a crucial phase in its planning for the first half of the year. The team can no longer afford to stumble. Both in the State Championship and the Libertadores Cup, this is a decisive moment. Aware of this, Fabrício believes his teammates are ready for the battles ahead.

\

"This break was also good for recharging our batteries and getting ready for these difficult games ahead. We know we can't make mistakes, that we have to dedicate ourselves fully, and the fans can be sure that we will do just that," he concluded.

\

Fabrício played 11 times this season. At 20 years old, the player began to establish himself in the starting lineup in the Libertadores debut against Universidad Católica at the Maracanã. In total, he has played 19 games as a professional for Flamengo, and has the 2009 Brazilian Championship title on his resume.