The "Empire of Love" is already beginning to gain its first followers. Vagner Love's arrival as Adriano's teammate at Flamengo was celebrated by all Flamengo fans. But one, in particular, has plenty of reason to celebrate: coach Andrade. Since Zé Roberto's departure, the coach has been looking for a partner for Adriano in the Flamengo attack. Finally, he's arrived. A strong player, with experience on the Brazilian national team and a strong connection to the club, Love arrives at Gávea with high morale under his new coach.

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In a press conference held before the red-and-black team's final training session in Porto Feliz, São Paulo state, where the team held its preseason, Andrade discussed Love's agreement with Flamengo, explained the team's tactical approach, explained that Obina is not out of the running, and also revealed that he hopes to have Vagner Love back as soon as possible. That is, as early as next Wednesday against Volta Redonda. Check out the highlights of the red-and-black manager's press conference:

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Hiring Love - I'm happy to end things on a positive note for Flamengo. He's another national team-caliber player who brings his quality and experience to the team. A player of this caliber is always welcome. If he's fit, cleared by the board and coaching staff, I'd like to have him ready for the Volta Redonda match. If possible, make his debut there. But I know there could also be some marketing consideration, and then it wouldn't be as beneficial for Love to debut against Volta Redonda. But if it were up to me, I'd like to have him available as soon as possible.

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Duo with Adriano - They're two quality players, national team-caliber, goalscorers... Few defenders are complacent. I'm betting heavily on Love's quality and his reputation as a goalscorer... He could be a game-changer for us. My intention is to use Adriano as a reference and give Vagner Love freedom. That's the initial idea. I need to talk to Love first. But the idea is to let him float from one side to the other, going out to get the game going.

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Team positioning - We had a style of play that will have to change a bit. Especially in midfield... Love is different from Zé Roberto, who played both attacking and midfield. Love, on the other hand, is more of a box player, up front. We need a midfielder to fill that void. We can't ask Love to drop back to mark, because that's not really his thing.

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Obina - Obina is part of my plans. Love and Adriano only have contracts until mid-year... If we release them now, we'll have problems... If it's feasible to extend their contracts (Love and Adriano), it would be important. The Libertadores is the most important competition for clubs. And losing these players in the middle of the competition wouldn't be good.