Flamengo doesn't seem to be discouraged by their elimination from the Guanabara Cup in the semifinals to rival Botafogo. The day after the 2-1 loss at Maracanã, the red-and-blacks trained at the club's training center, Ninho do Urubu, and received support from president Patrícia Amorim. The red-and-black leader praised the quality of each athlete and expressed confidence in a year full of joy for the fans.

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Accustomed to the life of an athlete, the former swimmer offered advice from someone who has experienced many emotions in the pool. According to her, this defeat in the first round of the Rio de Janeiro Championship shouldn't discourage the group. After all, there's still the entire second round to go, and the state champion won't be known until then.

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"I came here to reassure the group, which is very good and has very high-quality players, and to tell them that I'm by their side for whatever they need. Yesterday I saw the locker room empty, but I reminded them that the first team doesn't always win. I've learned that in my life. What matters is getting to the finish line first," he said.

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The club's president expressed her full confidence in Adriano, Vagner Love, and company. According to her, this group has already proven itself to be a winner, and will continue to do so even more so throughout the rest of the season.

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"This squad is victorious and is looking to complete a cycle of many victories at Flamengo. They have won several titles, including last year's Brazilian Championship, and are now aiming for the Libertadores. I'm sure that, over time, the results will prove that this group is a winner," he said.

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Patrícia joined the red-and-black group in condemning the criticism the defense has been receiving for the high number of goals conceded in the Guanabara Cup. According to her, soccer isn't like swimming; after all, it's a team sport, and therefore, no one can take the glory or the blame for a defeat alone.

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"This is our group, and it's not the time to think about changes. It's unfair to blame the defense. Football is a team sport. Everyone wins and everyone loses. A warning light has come on. Now we need to pay attention. But it's normal for a player to be upset. Better than if he didn't care," he concluded.