along with the playmaker Felipe). Despite this back-and-coming players, the biggest change, so far, was in the club management: the departure of Rodrigo Caetano, director of football, which was doing a great and victorious job in the club since 2009. Many names are speculative, but the favorite of the management is Marco Aurélio Cunha, currently alderman of São Paulo and former director of football of São Paulo. Furthermore, Cunha has a great relationship with coach Ricardo Gomes, which would facilitate his coming. After many days with uncertainties and negotiations with various names like Newton Drummond (who refused the proposal) and Ocimar Bolicenho (who suffered rejection by the Vasco da Gama fans), finally announced the new director of football: Daniel Freitas (known as the "right-hand man" by Rodrigo Caetano) was presented on 5 January, along with Thiago Feltri. January Vasco da Gama debuted in the state championship by defeating Americano: 2–0. With some subjects, such as Fernando Prass, Dedé, Juninho Pernambucano and Diego Souza, gave only two new faces among the Starting XI: Thiago Feltri, debuting in Vasco da Gama, and Leandro Chaparro, who for the first time in Vasco da Gama, begins a game as a starter. Even with all playing well, the highlight was Fagner. In the first goal, he crossed to Alecsandro score. And he did the second, after beautiful assist from Dedé. The highlight negative was Jonathan. Jonathan, who replaced Leandro Chaparro in the second half, was sent off after a scuffle with Mário Loyola. On 25 January, Vasco da Gama announced the out of the central back Víctor Ramos. Víctor Ramos, player belonging to Standard Liège, was loaning to Vitória. In the second round, in the debut of Rodolfo, Vasco da Gama won Duque de Caxias, 3–1. Juninho Pernambucano opened the scoring on a beautiful long shot. Gilcimar tied up, but Alecsandro, after corner kick from Juninho Pernambucano, and Diego Souza, after crossing from Fagner, finished the scoring. Not a very strong rain that hit Macaé during the game stopped the good work of Vasco da Gama. On 31 January, Vasco da Gama announced the loan of the goalkeeper Tiago to Grêmio Barueri. February Under intense pressure, Vasco da Gama beat Bangu with a final score of 3–1; Alecsandro, in a penalty kick, opened with the game's first goal. However, the game was paused for ten minutes after confusion arose between the fans and police; an