The start couldn't have been better. In their first official match of 2017, the Mais Querido defeated Boavista 4-1 in the red-and-black team's debut in the Campeonato Carioca. With two goals from Guerrero, one from debutant Miguel Trauco, and Diego sealing the deal, the team demonstrated its technical potential and chemistry, which has been growing since last season. However, another aspect caught everyone's attention even more. The red-and-black team's performance was intense until the final minutes of the game.

Throughout the preseason, with full-time training at Ninho do Urubu, the focus on physical preparation was intense. Through the work of coaches Daniel Gonçalves, Marcelo Martorelli, and Roberto Oliveira, combined with the expertise of EXOS consultant Michael Minthorne, the athletes began the year demonstrating on the field the work done at Flamengo's Performance Excellence Center (CEP FLA). All this work earned praise from midfielder Diego, who praised the team's performance after the match at Arena das Dunas.

Daniel Gonçalves, one of the professionals involved in this preparation, commented on the work done. During the conversation, the physical trainer commented on the focus of the activities carried out both at the CEP and on the CT pitches before each ball practice.

"We have a responsibility to prepare the athlete not only for the first game of the year, but for the sequence that Flamengo will have, with three competitions already in the first half of the year, which are the Carioca, the Primeira Liga and the Libertadores. An even greater demand will begin on March 8th, in the game against San Lorenzo," commented Daniel, referring to the Mais Querido's debut game in the Libertadores. 

He then talks about the work done specifically for last Saturday's (27) match against Boavista. "What we did was make the most of the preseason. Obviously, the players aren't at their peak yet; there are still stages to complete. The difference was that, for this match against Boavista, we let the team loose more. We reduced the training load on Thursday and Friday, aiming to ensure the players were fully recovered," he said, recalling the strong sequence of training sessions that had been going on in the days leading up to the match. "On previous occasions, especially before the match against Vila Nova, we had been training heavily and at a high intensity. Even though we know that Flamengo goes into any match to win, we were focusing more on physical fitness at that time," he added.

The squad's understanding is also crucial for all this work to have the desired effect, as the coach emphasizes. "The intensity in the last game was due to the players' awareness, as they performed well throughout the preseason. They did everything we set out to do, especially when it came to executing the strategies outlined by coach Zé Ricardo, who focused on maintaining possession and reducing team fatigue. Consequently, in the final minutes, the players still had the stamina to endure the match at an adequate intensity," praised Daniel.

With their sights set on winning the Americas, the training routine aims to bring the group's physical conditioning close to ideal for their debut in the continental competition. "The goal is to arrive in March in near-ideal condition, but still in an improving phase. We're aiming for the athletes' peak near the end of this month, in order to withstand all the competitions ahead," said Daniel, who outlined the team's current situation. "During this February period, there are still steps to be taken to improve their physical condition and development. As the games go by, they will gradually become more fit," he explained.

The fitness coach also discussed the period in which the group will reach its peak, with the longest competitions of the year looming. Daniel explains the principle behind defining the training plan. "We determine physical condition based on the athlete's active and inactive time. Based on the training done during the holidays, which we call the transition period, and throughout the preseason, we calculate that these athletes will reach their peak around April, regardless of the competition," he said.

The harmony between technical, physical, and psychological aspects defines a team's success. When these principles are fully functioning, performance on the field tends to be optimal. The professionals at Flamengo's Performance Excellence Center work with one goal in mind: the success of the Mais Querido. Daniel emphasizes this focus in his final remarks.

"We have a great responsibility to represent Flamengo in the best way possible, in any match, and that is what guides our work," he concluded.