Along with the conclusion of the red-and-black team's preparations for the derby against Vasco, preseason training for coach Paulo César Carpegiani's team came to an end. It involved three weeks of intense physical and technical reconditioning, as well as numerous exams and tests. It all began on January 4th, with the return of the "Garotos do Ninho" players promoted to the main squad and players who returned from loan spells earlier this year.

Clinical exams, physical assessments, and functional movement, endurance, and strength tests preceded field activities during the first week. Then, to prepare for the season opener, which took place on the 17th and resulted in a 2-0 victory for the Mais Querido over Volta Redonda, technical and tactical training continued preparations for the Campeonato Carioca.

On the 13th of the same month, the rest of the group resumed activities at Ninho do Urubu, with a special program for those players who played until the final match of last season. After initial evaluations, those who returned in better condition were gradually integrated into the squad and played in the State Championship matches thus far. In the victory over Cabofriense, defender Léo Duarte, full-backs Rodinei and Renê, and forwards Vinicius Jr. and Lincoln participated.

In the last red-black performance, which culminated in a new positive result of 1-0, this time against Bangu, it was the turn of goalkeeper Thiago, midfielders Rômulo and Cuéllar, midfielder Lucas Paquetá and striker Geuvânio to be related. For the classic this Saturday (27), which will have the ball rolling from 17 pm at Maracanã, the expectation is an even greater participation of the athletes that make up the main squad, according to the red-black commander in a press conference at the end of the last challenge.

Prior to the derby, the defensive duo of Léo Duarte and Matheus Thuler attended the Victorino Chermont Press Room to give a press conference. As expected, the match against Vasco was the main focus of the questions. Besides the match, the Garotos do Ninho's title in the 2018 São Paulo Junior Football Cup and the transition from the youth to the professional ranks were other topics discussed.