After clinching the Gauchão 2025 title just one week ago, the Internacional football club is now shifting its focus toward preparing for the upcoming Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The Colorado team aims to maintain its strong performance as it heads into the new season, and the excitement is palpable among players and fans alike.
Looking ahead to the opening match against Flamengo, head coach Roger Machado is set to welcome three significant signings to the squad. Óscar Romero, Diego Rosa, and Juninho—acquired during the Gauchão—have yet to make their official debuts for the club, but preparations for their integration are ongoing.
Romero, in particular, is under special attention due to concerns about his fitness levels compared to his new teammates. Having played only 27 matches last season with Botafogo, where he scored once and contributed five assists, Romero is striving to regain his form after a challenging season that saw him sidelined on several occasions.
As the team gears up, they will also rely on the recovery of players nursing injuries, with young star Gabriel Carvalho expected to be a surprising addition to the matchday squad. The focus on individual player readiness is critical, especially with the season's demanding schedule ahead.
In light of the season opener, Óscar Romero has been receiving tailored training to ensure he is fit to participate as soon as possible. His physical condition remains a concern, given that he has not been consistently participating in training sessions since his departure from Botafogo. The coaching staff is optimistic that Romero will be ready to contribute shortly, with possibilities of his involvement in upcoming matches within the week.
Alongside Romero, his fellow recent signings—defender Juninho and midfielder Diego Rosa—are showing promising signs of readiness. Juninho comes to Internacional from Midtjylland for a fee of €1.5 million and is expected to fill the void left by Victor Gabriel, who is sidelined due to a right thigh injury. Since being cleared by the BID at the start of March, all three players have resumed normal training routines and are adapting quickly to team dynamics.
During a session following their championship victory on March 21, both Diego Rosa and Juninho demonstrated their commitment to solidifying their positions within the starting lineup. Rosa, who previously played for Lommel in the Belgian second division, faces restrictions due to a contractual clause preventing him from playing in certain upcoming matches.
Heading into the new season, Internacional has an air of optimism surrounding their performance after winning the Gauchão, breaking an eight-year long drought without the title. Last weekend, the team lifted the trophy at Beira-Rio, showcasing their robust form and determination as they prevented their rival from achieving their eighth consecutive state title.
Coach Roger Machado, who has been under scrutiny at various points in his career, appears to have found his footing at this critical juncture. With increasingly high expectations for the upcoming Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil, and Libertadores, Machado is preparing to put his strategic acumen to the test amid a packed and challenging schedule.
With all these elements at play, Internacional's upcoming encounters are eagerly anticipated, particularly the contest against Flamengo. As players adapt and ready themselves for competitive action, hopes are high that this season will not only restore the club's glory but also rekindle the passion of their dedicated fan base.
Óscar Romero, as he undergoes tailored conditioning, highlights the club's emphasis on not just physical fitness but also mental fortitude as they aim to ascend in Brazilian football. Pre-season training, combined with their recent success, has set the stage for what could be a thrilling journey ahead.
As Internacional steps onto the pitch for the first matches of the newly commenced season, fans are holding onto the collective hope that the squad will flourish under pressure, supported by its reinforcements and the relentless spirit that led them to their recent success. With their eyes set on multiple fronts, the team is poised for a season filled with promise.
