This Friday morning (10), the day before the Flamengo x Vasco classic for the 25th round of NBB CAIXA 9, was marked by a meeting between the teams to hold an official press conference of the National Basketball League in order to promote the match, in Manaus. The action, entitled Nation of Giants, an analogy by the League to draw the public's attention to the healthy rivalry between the Pride of the Nation and the Giants of the Hill, and to promote peace in the arenas, since this is the first opportunity after almost a decade that the teams meet under the gaze of both fan bases, brought to the press conference table coach José Neto, captain Marcelinho Machado, as well as representatives of the opposing team and the LNB.

 

"I appreciate the warm welcome the people of Amazonas have given Flamengo; it couldn't be better. I believe that, being the leader of the competition, it would be a huge mistake on our part to only accept the lead now. We want to stay there. That's the focus we're preparing for each match with. The championship is very competitive, and a defeat can knock you out of the top four. This game will be no different; we want to maintain this lead, and a victory is very important for us," said coach José Neto about arriving in Manaus and the importance of a positive result.

Marcelinho Machado also spoke, emphasizing a peaceful atmosphere at the derby. "This opportunity will be very good. We will live it intensely, but always with great respect. This is one of the issues we have in our country that should be better addressed: education, behavior, respect for others. Manaus has the possibility of setting this example for the rest of the country," said the captain.

LNB's communications manager, Guilherme Buso, praised the work of the clubs and the National Basketball League, which will hold an NBB game in the northern region of Brazil for the first time.

"This is the first NBB CAIXA game in the history of the country. It's a source of great pride for us to be in every corner of Brazil. Tomorrow the celebration will be wonderful, and I'm sure the excitement of the people of Manaus is immense. There's nothing like a Flamengo vs. Vasco match, a fantastic classic, to bring to the court and create a truly beautiful atmosphere," he commented.

 

Furthermore, the Secretary of Sports of Manaus, Fabrício Lima, was present at the Amadeu Teixeira Arena and thanked the teams for hosting the match in the state.

"It is an honor for the people of Amazonas to host a game like this, and we will spare no effort to make it the best match ever held in terms of security and organization. Expect not only the warmth of the sun here, but also the support of our people, who are very passionate about sports. I have no doubt that you represent all the best in sports," the secretary celebrated.

 

Flamengo and Vasco face each other this Saturday (11), at 14 pm (Brasília time), and it will be broadcast on Band and SporTV. The Most Beloved is the leader of the competition. Since Wednesday (08) the Pride of the Nation has been in Manaus preparing for the game. The players Hakeem Rollins, Marcelinho Machado, Ricardo Fischer, Pedrinho Rava, Lelê, Ronald Ramon, Marquinhos, Rafael Mineiro, JP Batista, Olivinha, Danilo and João Vitor were selected for the trip.