There's little time to prepare, as the group has lost key players to negotiations and injuries. The outlook for the current Brazilian and state champions at the start of 2010 isn't ideal. Therefore, Flamengo's players and coaching staff are urging the red-and-black fans to remain calm. Everyone is certain the team will be competitive and will fight for titles, but they also know it may take a while for the team to gel as well as possible.

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With Airton, Everton, and Zé Roberto having been traded, while Adriano, Petkovic, and Leonardo Moura are still doubtful due to injuries and fitness issues, coach Andrade has less than half the starting lineup that won the 2009 Brazilian Championship under his command. Furthermore, defender Ronaldo Angelim has not yet renewed his contract. For this reason, the manager acknowledges the concern.

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"It's a bit worrying because we don't know if we'll be able to count on Adriano, Pet hasn't arrived yet, and Angelim hasn't renewed yet. Not to mention the players who left. We won two titles last year, and the pressure this year will be even greater. We have to be prepared. Ideally, the whole group would be here training together, but unfortunately, that won't be possible," lamented the coach, who, despite this, remains optimistic about the season.

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According to Andrade, Flamengo will take a little longer to reach the same physical condition as other teams, so the important thing will be to play with a clear head and without rushing. The coach also points out his biggest challenge: finding the ideal partner for Adriano.

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"I'm sure Flamengo will be a competitive team, as they were last year. We have to understand that it's important to play intelligently at the start of the season. We won't be in the same physical condition as other teams, and we need to understand that. I see our group as balanced, even with the absences. Today, my biggest challenge is choosing Adriano's partner. I'll observe and evaluate the attackers to see the best option," he analyzed.

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The manager has the support of the group in his statements. Midfielder Toró agrees that the group has lost important players, but emphasizes the board's efforts to recruit reinforcements and the importance of maintaining the championship-winning base. For Toró, Flamengo has one thing going for it: grit.

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"Those who left will be missed, but we have to remain calm. At the start of the season, desire will be very important. We have to overcome the lack of rhythm and training with determination and determination. We know that Flamengo is the team to beat, so we have to prepare. There is no complacency here. It's always about winning and doing our best. The pressure has always been and always will be great; the fans want a title every year, but I ask for a little patience at the start of the season. Everyone will give their all, but the games won't be easy," he concluded.