The Grêmio football club is gearing up for the upcoming Campeonato Brasileiro after a recent disappointing second-place finish in the state championship. Coach Gustavo Quinteros, facing pressure from fans, is determined to start the new season with positive results as the team prepares for its first league game against Atlético-MG on March 29, 2025. The club is currently on leave until March 20, 2025, allowing players to recover before a grueling schedule of 19 matches in just 64 days.
On March 22, 2025, Grêmio announced the signing of goalkeeper Jorge, a 23-year-old player who recently played for Pelotas. Jorge joins the team on a two-year contract with the possibility of an additional year, and is expected to compete for the starting position with Tiago Volpi and Gabriel Grando. This transfer was seen as crucial for the club, particularly as it opens avenues for other players, including Adriel, who may leave for Athletic in the Série B of the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Gustavo Quinteros, who has been facing intense scrutiny, understands the importance of securing victories at the start of the Brasileirão Série A campaign. With a demanding schedule looming, he will rely on the recent training sessions to prepare the team.
From March 20, following a brief break, the Grêmio squad will return to their training center to intensify their physical conditioning. The coaching staff, including fitness consultant Michel Huff, emphasizes the significance of managing players' physical loads and recovery processes during this busy period. Huff stated, “The clubs that create well-organized processes and manage player loads will have an advantage in these competitions.”
The team will face several critical matches this season, encompassing outings in the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, and Copa Sul-Americana. Among the notable fixtures, the match against Atlético-MG on March 29, followed by games against Sportivo Luqueño on April 2 and Ceará on April 6, will be pivotal as the team aims to establish momentum and avoid early-season pitfalls.
Adding a new goalkeeper like Jorge could be vital in strengthening the squad as Grêmio looks to bounce back from their relatively poor performance last season. Although Grêmio's second leg in the Campeonato Gaúcho final against Internacional resulted in a 1-1 draw on March 22, it was not enough to secure victory. Nacional’s earlier 2-0 win in the first leg sealed victory for Internacional, who ultimately celebrated their Gaúcho title.
The upcoming challenges underscore that Quinteros’ ability to motivate and tactically prepare the squad will be crucial for success. Former players like Rafael Jacques, who has experienced the rigorous demands of the Brazilian football calendar, assert the importance of effective training and tactical preparation during this busy season. Jacques recalls how he managed to score a decisive goal after playing twice on the same day back in 1994, highlighting the fatigue found in football.
As Quinteros prepares to lead the team into an aggressive and packed schedule, he must also navigate the complexities of player transfers—especially with potential outgoings of some players. Mayk, Natã, Nathan, and André Henrique could all leave, with the transfer window closing on April 11, 2025. Grêmio's management is keen on bolstering the defensive line, prompting their ongoing pursuit of another defender.
Ultimately, the club is looking to rebound from the past season’s disappointments and assert itself in the national league. As evidenced by past competitive performances, Grêmio fans are optimistic that their team can secure a successful start to the new season. The upcoming matches not only present a challenge but also an opportunity for the Tricolor to reclaim its stature in Brazilian football.
