Training has finally resumed, and Palmeiras' training ground is alive with energy once again.
After days away from the pitch, the players have returned with renewed focus and determination, filling the complex with the familiar faces.
Coaches are wasting no time, carefully planning intense sessions that blend fitness work with tactical exercises, ensuring everyone regains rhythm ahead of the new season.
New faces are settling in, experienced players are taking leadership roles, and the overall atmosphere feels positive and competitive.
With the season approaching, Palmeiras are clearly laying down strong foundations, aiming to be fully prepared both physically and mentally for the challenges ahead.
Gabriel Silver, the youngest member of the squad and one of the newest faces at Palmeiras this season, was already turning heads on the training ground.
During a light jogging session before the main training session , he could be seen running alongside Gustavo Gómez, the team's captain, sharing a few words and laughs as they moved through their drills.
It was a small moment, but one that spoke volumes about how quickly Gabriel is settling into his new environment.
Despite his age, there is a quiet confidence about him, and the coaching staff has taken note.
After an impressive preseason where he showed maturity beyond his years, expectations around the young player have naturally risen.
Supporters and teammates alike are eager to see whether he can carry that form into competitive matches.
As they continued jogging around the pitch, their breath steady and the early morning air still cool, Gomez glanced over at Gabriel and smiled.
"Buddy, how was the holidays?" he asked casually, keeping his pace even.
Gabriel let out a small laugh and nodded. "It was cool, just like I expected.
To be honest, I didn't even rest much. After the dinner we had with my mom and my brother, I went straight back to training.
I didn't want to slow down or lose focus."
Gomez raised his eyebrows. "Oh, okay. That explains a lot.
I was wondering why I didn't see you hanging out at the swimming pool with the rest of the guys and their girlfriends," he said with a grin.
Gabriel shrugged. "Yeah, I skipped all that."
For Gabriel, the challenge is clear: stay focused, keep learning, and prove that the faith placed in him
Keep pushing like that and you'll carry your form right into the season.
Train hard, stay sharp, and you'll earn your spot in the lineup. Coaches notice that kind of dedication."
For Gabriel, the challenge was straightforward but demanding.
He had to stay locked in, keep improving every single day, and block out the noise around him.
More than anything, he wanted to show the fans, the coaching staff, and everyone who believed in him that he belongs on the field.
Every training session, every minute of play, was his chance to prove that he truly deserves his place in the lineup.
As soon as all the players arrived at the training grounds, Abel Ferreira's sharp whistle cut through the early-morning noise.
Conversations faded, engines were switched off, and one by one the players made their way toward the center circle, boots crunching softly against the grass still wet with dew.
The mood was focused but familiar—this was another day at work, yet everyone knew competition was tighter than ever.
"Victor Roque! Victor! Victor!" Andreas Pereira shouted across the parking area, waving his arm impatiently.
"Hurry up, man, we're already gathering!"
Victor laughed as he slammed his car door shut and jogged toward the pitch, raising a hand in acknowledgment.
Andreas shook his head, smiling, then turned back to Facundo, who had been speaking before the interruption.
"As I was saying," Facundo continued, lowering his voice slightly, "you really need to train hard this season. Even extra sessions if you have to.
That spot isn't guaranteed for anyone anymore. Gabriel's preseason form was unbelievable.
If I were a coach, I'd start him without hesitation."
Andreas nodded slowly, his expression serious. "Yeah, you're right.
I know it's true," he said. "I have to work twice as hard to earn that place.
Last season, the coaches trusted me, and I don't want to lose that I want to be the first name they think of.
I'll take advantage of every small opportunity I get—minutes in training, tactical drills, anything."
Facundo stopped walking and squatted down to tighten his laces, taking his time before responding.
"Honestly, the attacking midfield position is probably the toughest competition in the squad right now," he said thoughtfully. "That kid is special.
He's not just talented—he understands the game. A proper footballer."
Andreas exhaled deeply, staring at the grass for a moment.
"Buddy, there are things I need to learn from Gabriel Silva," he admitted. "I don't care that I'm older than him.
Age doesn't matter. What matters is performance.
I want to earn that spot, and I'll do whatever it takes."
His face was calm but determined, the kind of seriousness that comes from knowing what's at stake.
Facundo stood up and brushed his hands against his shorts.
"I really think he's the perfect replacement for Estêvão Willian," he added.
"He has the qualities—vision, composure, confidence.
Bringing him into the team was a smart move. He's definitely one of the young players to watch this season."
He paused briefly, glancing toward the stands, empty now but easy to imagine filled with supporters.
"Everyone expects a lot from him—the fans, the coaches, even the media. That kind of pressure can break some players."
"But it hasn't broken him," Facundo continued. "Even though he's young and new, he understands the coach's demands really well. He listens, adapts, and works. That says a lot."
As they approached the center circle, Abel Ferreira was already waiting, arms crossed, eyes scanning the group.
The chatter died down naturally. Andreas and Facundo exchanged a final look—half competitive, half respectful—before stepping into position with the rest of the squad.
"Alright," Abel said, his voice calm but firm, cutting through the murmurs. "We are back to work."
The group settled instantly. Everyone knew that tone.
"Let's cooperate and start with the same seriousness we showed earlier in the preseason," he continued.
"Everybody had a nice preseason, and I like that. I really do.
The intensity, the commitment, the way you pushed yourselves—it was good."
A few players nodded. Others exchanged glances.
Compliments from Abel were never empty; they always came with expectations attached.
He paused, then added, "Although I have my lineup in mind…"
That sentence landed exactly as he intended. Some players instinctively rubbed their shaved heads.
A few smiled, half-confident, half-nervous. Others looked straight ahead, faces unreadable. Competition lived in moments like this.
Gabriel felt his stomach tighten.
He let out a slow breath and rested his hands on his waist, staring down at the grass beneath his boots.
His mind raced despite his effort to stay calm.
Am I part of that lineup? he wondered. I performed well in preseason.
I worked hard, I followed instructions, I gave everything.
But maybe it's just preseason. Maybe it doesn't count the same. I don't have the experience some of the others have.
The thought trailed off unfinished, tangled with doubt. He shook his head slightly and forced himself to focus back on the coach's words.
Abel took a step forward.
"Listen carefully," he said. "There is still one week before the start of the season.One week.
That means nothing is closed. Anyone who improves can still get into the lineup."
A ripple of renewed attention moved through the group.
"So let's be serious," Abel went on. "In every training session.
Every second, every minute, every hour. Every day counts. Don't forget—every touch of the ball also counts."
His eyes moved from face to face, making sure the message landed.
"This season will not wait for anyone. You either take your chance, or someone else will."
He stepped into the circle, pulling players into quick embraces, patting shoulders, tapping backs. The gestures were brief but genuine.
"Good luck to all of you," he said. "Let's make this season something special."
The huddle broke.
Gabriel knelt ,he tightened his boot laces carefully, pulling them snug, then adjusted his shin guards until they sat perfectly against his legs.
His hands moved automatically, the routine grounding him.
The noise around him grew—boots on grasses , balls being kicked, teammates calling out to one another.
This was it.
He stood up, rolled his shoulders back, and took a deep breath.
The doubts were still there, but they no longer felt paralyzing. They felt like fuel.
I know what I need to do, he told himself. Work harder. Be sharper. Earn it.
As the whistle sounded to signal the start of the session, Gabriel began to jog toward the rest of the team, falling into line beside his teammates. His legs felt light, his focus sharp.
The training was about to begin, and he was ready to fight for his place.