for the State Championship opener on the 25th, against Friburguense, at Maracanã. In the first tactical training session at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, he set up the familiar defense, with Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan. In place of Jailton, a starter for almost all of last year who was traded to Fluminense, the coach tested defender Douglas, and defensive midfielders Wilians and Airton. The activity aimed to practice marking the opponent's ball out, and the midfield consisted of only two players: Ibson and Kleberson, with Toró completing the position.

"It was a more defensively focused training session, allowing us to mark the opponent closely and quickly attack. It's a Cuca trait and shows a bit of how we'll play this year," commented right-back Leonardo Moura.

After the tactical training, there was a finishing activity, with highlights for forwards Maxi and Paulo Sério, and midfielder Erick Flores.