Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro

GloboEsporte.com

Cuca says he will always be grateful to Fla

Rarely has a night's sleep been so peaceful. Upon opening his eyes at exactly 7:07 a.m. this Monday, Cuca felt lighter. Finally a champion after years of carrying the stigma of being unlucky, the Flamengo coach enjoyed the first day after winning the title with a routine of interviews and thank-yous wherever he went. From the sofa at his home in Ipanema, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, he overflowed with happiness. "The day is perfect. The feeling is very pleasant, of relief and achievement. I'm very happy to be crowned champion, to make the fans happy, and for myself, for the need I felt. I will be eternally grateful to Flamengo." The euphoria doesn't stop Cuca from being wary of the hype that could take over the team ahead of Wednesday's match against Fortaleza, in the round of XNUMX of the Copa do Brasil, at the Castelão stadium. According to the coach, the responsibility is likely to increase. "I will never forget this title." Maracanã was packed, just as it was, with a roaring crowd, but it's already the next day. Soon there's the Copa do Brasil, Cruzeiro at Mineirão for the Brasileirão, and with a big team, you have to always win. The victory, however, doesn't just bring extra pressure to the team. Cuca also sees the situation from a positive perspective. "The burden was heavy, but thank God the victory came. The work will flow much more naturally. We've gained momentum and confidence." Calmly, the coach continued to avoid harsh responses to rival Botafogo and even made a point of defending them from the mockery of Tricolor and Vasco fans. "A three-time runner-up, they've reached the final three times, something Fluminense and Vasco didn't. It's not better to be eliminated early than to lose in the final. We have to appreciate it."