The 11 a.m. time slot has become popular with fans since last year's Brasileirão. Stadiums with good attendance, interesting television programming, and, above all, good games. For the red-and-black fans, Sunday mornings this year have brought nothing but joy. In the three matches played at this time slot this season, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) has won three. In other words, a 100% success rate.
Flamengo defeated Ponte Preta (2-1, in coach Zé Ricardo's debut), Atlético-MG (2-0), and Grêmio (2-1), the last two direct clashes in the quest for the title. The result is the result of adequate preparation, planning, and work method, points highlighted by the club's professionals.
Flamengo defeated Ponte Preta (2-1, in coach Zé Ricardo's debut), Atlético-MG (2-0), and Grêmio (2-1), the last two direct clashes in the quest for the title. The result is the result of adequate preparation, planning, and work method, points highlighted by the club's professionals.
"The athletes are used to it, their biorhythms are already adjusted, since we train in the morning. Of course, this is a new experience, but there are also changes at night—and in Brazil, no one trains at that time. We do need to make adjustments. During the week, we change everything from our wake-up time to our breakfast time, and we try to simulate the temperature and humidity conditions. The day before, we change our diet, so the players aren't harmed," explains Daniel Gonçalves, soccer's physical trainer.
Marcelo Martorelli, also a physical preparation professional for Rubro-Negro, also highlights the adaptations.
Marcelo Martorelli, also a physical preparation professional for Rubro-Negro, also highlights the adaptations.
"Adaptation helps, but performance is a reflection of the entire season's planning between the athletes, management, and coaching staff. As Daniel said, we'll continue training in the morning and continue until game day. We hope to maintain our good form and achieve our goal, which is to win the championship," he concluded.
Flamengo's next two matches, however, will not be in the morning. This Wednesday (24), Mais Querido faces Figueirense for the Copa Sul-Americana at 21:45 pm. On Sunday, the opponent will be Chapecoense, at 16 pm. Both matches will take place in Santa Catarina.
Flamengo's next two matches, however, will not be in the morning. This Wednesday (24), Mais Querido faces Figueirense for the Copa Sul-Americana at 21:45 pm. On Sunday, the opponent will be Chapecoense, at 16 pm. Both matches will take place in Santa Catarina.