A sense of déjà vu gripped the Gávea stadium on Wednesday night at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium. Flamengo returned to the stadium and held its first training session ahead of the second half of the futsal season with old friends from the Flamengo fans. In addition to the remaining players from the team that competed in the Metropolitan Championship, the 2008 state champions returned to Gávea to win their second title.
Of the starting lineup that won the State Championship, only center Rafael Sixel hasn't finalized his return to the club. He had already signed a contract with Vassouras. However, goalkeeper Rafael Pazos, defender and captain Dudu, winger/defender Michel Marques, and wingers Arthur and Diego Panazio (the latter of whom signed his contract yesterday) have returned like good sons to the family.
"It's great to have this group back. In 2008 we achieved great results and we're going to work hard to repeat that," celebrated coach Cid Escarlate.
Despite it still being the first day of training, Wednesday was a day of hard work in Gávea. Coach Mario Henrique gave the group no rest, conducting physical assessments in the first few minutes of the session.
After that, the ball rolled in the gym, with finishing work.
It's good to start like this so the team can get into the swing of things for the season. We're coming back now and we have to take advantage of the time we have to get back into shape, get back into the swing of things, and be ready when the season starts, said winger/defensive midfielder Michel Marques.
Three athletes competing in the University Games were absent from the presentation: center Gabriel, defender Magrão, and goalkeeper Breno. Therefore, goalkeeper Rafael, defenders Pablo, Xandó, and Dudu, forwards Leco, Michel, Arthur, and Panazio, and centers Diego Carvalho and Jaxwel participated.
The futsal competition calendar has not yet been released by the Rio de Janeiro State Indoor Soccer Federation (FFSERJ).
The arbitration to determine the State Championship will take place next Thursday. The team will also compete in the Southeast Cup in October.
To achieve good results this season, the team will train daily at 20 pm at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium.