Willian Arão appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room, at Ninho do Urubu, after the regenerative activity carried out by the athletes who started the match against Botafogo to give a press conference on the afternoon of this Thursday (17). Before commenting on what happened within the four lines, an even more important and delicate subject was addressed.

At the end of the match, family members of the young athlete Vinicius Júnior, who were watching the game from one of the stadium's VIP boxes, were subjected to racist insults. The midfielder vehemently condemned the incident.

"It's abominable, regrettable that this happens in the 21st century. It's even difficult to comment. I have a black father and I wouldn't want to be going through this situation. I think drastic measures must be taken to see if they learn and stop this once and for all. There have to be drastic measures, because just talking doesn't make them understand," said the number 5. 

Regarding the game on the pitch, the predicted balance between the teams proved true on the field. After a goalless draw in the first leg, Arão looked ahead to the return match, which will decide who advances to the Copa do Brasil final.

"We knew it would be a very difficult match, with a lot of competition and battles for the ball. We also knew that there wouldn't be a very large margin of victory and that it would probably be decided in the second leg. Nothing changes for us. We'll have a packed Maracanã, which makes all the difference. If we play as well as we did yesterday and take advantage of our opportunities, we have everything we need to advance," he analyzed.

The match this Saturday (19), against Atlético-GO, was also one of the topics discussed in the conversation with journalists. In search of a return to winning ways in the Brazilian Championship, Arão analyzes the possible scenarios for the match. The teams met three times in 2017, and the midfielder comments on the opponent's way of playing.

"It's past time for us to get back to winning. We missed some opportunities playing at home and away. We could have won. Even knowing that they are in last place, we've faced them three times and we know the difficulties they will cause us. Even playing at home, they should play defensively. We need to take advantage of our chances. We create a lot and if we take advantage of our chances, we will get this victory," he concluded.

Reinaldo Rueda was on the sidelines managing the team for the first time against Botafogo, a debut commented on by the player. The intense physical work led in today's training session by the new Flamengo physical trainer, Carlos Eduardo Velasco, was observed by the press, who asked the midfielder questions about the Colombian's methods. 

It's a different approach, but we've never struggled physically here at Flamengo. Coach Daniel (Gonçalves) has always pushed us to our maximum performance. He has this more intense style, and we'll get used to it. We have to adapt to their style, and they to ours, with games on Wednesdays and Sundays. We'll reach a common ground so that we can perform at our best.

I know that many people who still work there like me. Many fans still thank me for what I did there. Every time I step onto the field, I have it in my head that I'm defending Flamengo, whether it's against Botafogo or any other team. I have a clear head and that's all in the past.

Very good. We know he's experienced, well-traveled, and has vast knowledge about football. As much as possible, he conveyed what he wanted to us, what he asked for in the pre-match talk. It's only been two days of work, it's very little time to talk about it, but we tried to execute everything he wanted in the match. He gave us a glimpse of what he wants us to do, what he thinks about the game. Regarding physical preparation, we need to adapt as quickly as possible and execute what he wants us to do so that we dominate the matches and come out victorious.

I've already worked with Fábio Mahseradjian at Corinthians. And with Anderson Paixão as well, who unfortunately passed away in the Chapecoense plane crash. We're not used to this level of pressure, but it will be good because it will bring us new things that will help us improve every day.

Regarding that matter, no. When I arrived, he was already on the field. But I believe that some experienced teammate must have spoken to him, because this is not an easy issue.

The more we know about what he wants to convey, the easier it will be. Mancu, Berrío, Cuéllar, even myself, who understands a little Spanish, we try to pass on what we understand so that no information goes unnoticed.

It doesn't change much, because if he has any instructions to give us, he'll do it anyway. I don't think it influences anything. He has this methodology, letting the assistant lead the training. But in these few days of work, he's given us information normally, also individually.