After another grueling morning of physical training, the Flamengo team departed early in the afternoon for preseason training in Teresópolis. During the first week of training, the coaching staff's goal is to get the players back on their feet, so that coach Cuca can begin fielding the team that will debut in the State Championship on the 25th against Friburguense at the Maracanã stadium.

"We'll have some training sessions in three periods, but everything will be planned by physiologists and physical trainers. Of course, I have a team in mind for the year, but it's not right to say anything before putting it into practice. Everything will be done in its own time. Now is the time to focus on the physical and technical aspects," commented the red-and-black coach.

With Marcelinho Paraíba's introduction this morning, the squad is complete. The midfielder, however, will undergo all necessary tests before joining the group in Teresópolis.

"He showed up late and will do everything the others did. It's unquestionable that he's behind the others, but it's up to him to make up for lost time."

Regarding the search for a player who can play as a number 10, Cuca made it clear that his concern is to find balance within the team.

"I'm not worried about the number 10 jersey. I respect the mystique of the jersey, but I really want a balanced team. This is harder at the beginning, but we'll work hard to start the championship in the best possible way."