The atmosphere is different, the atmosphere is different, and the teammates have resumes that speak for themselves. The situation that young athletes promoted to the professional team face once they reach the top team is not the easiest. Adapting to the intense training, especially the physical aspect, can take a while. Despite these difficulties, however, goalkeeper Marcelo Carné and left-back Saba are very happy with their first days in the professional ranks.

The two received the news confirming their membership to coach Andrade's squad while they were asleep, the day before the group traveled to Porto Feliz, in the interior of São Paulo, where the team is conducting its preseason. After this call-up, everything was pure joy. And, of course, a lot of sweat. Since last Thursday, the players have been training with the main team at the Traffic Academy.

"The pressure is really strong, I'm getting really tired, but very happy. It's suffering now to win later. We're working really hard, but it's my biggest dream that's coming true and I'm going to do everything I can to make the most of this opportunity," said goalkeeper Marcelo, who played for the Brazilian national team at the 2007 Pan American Games.

Coach Andrade has already spoken with the players about the main differences between the junior and professional teams. The Flamengo captain revealed that training is physically more demanding, but that the newcomers will adapt over time. Saba believes that this interaction with more experienced players like Kleberson, Adriano, and company is crucial for his future career.

"It's a great feeling to be here. Training alongside guys like Kleberson and Alvaro, who are experienced, is great. I'm learning a lot. We've already spoken with Andrade, and there are some players who are also a great boost for us, like David and Fierro... It's important to gel quickly, and I'm really happy with this opportunity," he said.

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Marcelo also took the opportunity to praise goalkeeper and captain Bruno. According to him, Flamengo's number 1 deserves all the recognition he's received since taking over as the starting goalkeeper for the Gávea team.

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"Bruno is a guy who deserves everything he's achieving. He's a role model and I'll undoubtedly learn a lot from him," he concluded.

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In addition to Carné and Saba, the group in Porto Feliz has eight other players trained in Flamengo's youth academy: goalkeepers Marcelo Lomba and Paulo Victor, defenders Wellinton and Fabrício, midfielders Vinícius Pacheco, Erick Flores and Guilherme Camacho, and striker Bruno Mezenga.