After the morning training session, the players headed back to the dressing room to cool down and freshen up.
Some took quick showers, while others sat quietly at their lockers, stretching tired muscles and chatting about the session they had just completed. The atmosphere was relaxed but focused.
The excitement of a new league season could be felt throughout the training ground.
A little later, it was time for the club's pre-match press conference ahead of their opening league fixture against Botafogo.
Head coach Abel Ferreira and team captain Gustavo Gómez were chosen to represent Palmeiras before the media.
The press room was already filling up by the time they arrived.
Television cameras stood on tripods at the back of the room, photographers adjusted their lenses, and reporters from newspapers, television stations, radio networks, and online sports platforms settled into their seats with notebooks and laptops open.
Several microphones carrying the logos of different media outlets were lined neatly across the table.
Abel walked in first with his usual calm expression, followed by Gómez.
Both greeted the room with polite smiles before taking their seats.
Abel glanced at the row of microphones in front of him and allowed himself a small smile.
After months of preparation, another season was about to begin.
It was a familiar moment, yet one that always brought a mixture of excitement and responsibility.
Beside him, Gómez noticed one of the television cameras focused directly on him.
He instinctively ran a hand through his hair, blinked a couple of times, and smiled awkwardly before settling into his chair.
Despite years of experience, he had never been completely comfortable with the attention that came during media appearances.
The club's media officer stepped forward.
"Good afternoon, everyone. We'll begin with questions for Coach Abel Ferreira and captain Gustavo Gómez."
A reporter from a local television station raised his hand first.
"Coach, what's the latest update on the squad? Are there any injury concerns ahead of tomorrow's match?"
Abel nodded.
"Fortunately, everyone is available. We've had a productive pre-season, and the medical staff have done an excellent job.
All the players are fit, so I have plenty of options when selecting the team."
Several journalists quickly noted down his answer before another hand went up.
A female reporter from a national sports network stood to ask the next question.
"Coach, during the pre-season tour your team looked well organised and produced some impressive performances.
What are you hoping to achieve this season?"
Abel smiled before answering.
"We had a very productive pre-season. The players worked hard, and we've tried to build on what we achieved last year.
Every club begins a new season with ambition.
Our objective is to compete at the highest level in every competition.
But football is about taking one game at a time. Right now, all our attention is on Botafogo."
Another journalist spoke from the left side of the room.
"Coach, Palmeiras made several new signings this transfer window. How have they adapted to the squad?"
"They've settled in very well," Abel replied. "Some joined us earlier than others, so naturally they're at different stages physically, but they've all worked hard.
They've integrated well with the group, and that's the most important thing."
The reporter wasn't finished.
"If you had to pick one player who has impressed you the most during pre-season, who would it be?"
Abel smiled, knowing the question was designed to create headlines.
"I don't like comparing players because football is a team sport," he said.
"But if you watched our pre-season matches, you'll have seen that Gabriel Silver performed very well.
He's shown quality, confidence, and a great attitude since arriving.
We're happy to have him with us, and I believe he will be an important player for Palmeiras."
Immediately, another reporter followed up.
"Does that mean Gabriel Silver will start against Botafogo?"
A few people in the room laughed softly.
Abel smiled but refused to reveal his plans.
"Every player has earned the right to compete for a place.
We still have another training session this evening, and that's another opportunity for everyone to show they're ready. The starting eleven hasn't been decided yet."
The answer brought knowing smiles from several experienced journalists.
Managers rarely revealed their line-ups before a match.
Attention then shifted to the captain.
"Gustavo," a reporter began, "you've been one of the leaders of this team for several years.
How would you describe the relationship within the squad?"
Gómez adjusted the microphone slightly before answering.
"We have a very close group. Everyone respects each other, whether they've been here for years or have only just arrived.
We spend a lot of time together, and if someone has a problem, we talk about it as a team.
That unity is one of our biggest strengths."
Another question followed almost immediately.
"What would you consider a successful result against Botafogo tomorrow?"
The Paraguayan defender answered without hesitation.
"We know it won't be an easy game because they're a strong team.
But whenever Palmeiras steps onto the pitch, our objective is to win.
Starting the season with three points would give us confidence, and that's exactly what we're aiming for."
As he finished speaking, he rubbed the back of his head briefly before offering a small smile to the journalists.
One final question was directed at the coach.
"Abel, what message would you like to send to the Palmeiras supporters before the new season begins?"
The coach looked directly into one of the cameras.
"First of all, I'd like to thank our supporters for standing by us last season, especially during the difficult moments.
Their support means a lot to the players and the staff. I ask them to continue believing in this team.
We will work hard every day, fight for every ball, and do everything we can to make them proud. Together, we're stronger."
The media officer checked his watch before stepping back to the microphone.
"Thank you, everyone. That's all we have time for today."
A few reporters still had their hands raised, hoping to ask one last question, but the schedule was tight.
With the opening match less than twenty-four hours away, the players and coaching staff still had tactical meetings, recovery sessions, and an evening training session to complete.
Abel and Gómez stood, thanked the media, and walked out of the press room together.
As the doors closed behind them, the reporters immediately began discussing the coach's comments, already preparing headlines for tomorrow's newspapers and sports broadcasts.
Outside, the countdown to the new league season had truly begun.
Tomorrow, thousands of supporters would fill the stands, millions would watch from around the world, and every word spoken in that conference room would be forgotten the moment the referee blew the opening whistle against Botafogo.
The season everyone had spent weeks preparing for was finally about to begin.