With an eye on the classic against Fluminense this Thursday (12), Mais Querido continued preparations for the match in a tactical activity held on Tuesday afternoon, at Ninho do Urubu. At the end of the work on the field, Willian Arão appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room, where he gave a press conference.

During his conversation with reporters, the midfielder previewed the matchup against Abel Braga's team. Despite the different positions in the standings, Arão rejected any kind of favoritism, emphasizing the unpredictability of a classic.

"I grew up knowing that when the derby arrives, everything changes, even with one team in first place and the other in last place. We expect a difficult match and a very strong opponent, as has always been the case in other Carioca matches and on other occasions. We'll prepare ourselves because even in this situation, their team is strong. We have to do everything we can to come out on top," he analyzed.

The Fla-Flu match will mark the return of the Mais Querido to Brazilian Championship matches after the break for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. This was the first long period of work that coach Reinaldo Rueda had with the team since his arrival. The Flamengo's number 5 commented on the training routine during these days.

"The coach has been analyzing everything he can, testing his ideas for the game. We don't know who we'll be able to count on until Thursday, but I believe whoever he puts on the field will give 100%. We'll put everything he's been asking of us in these 10 days on the field. It's good for us players to have a long run, with time to work, but, on the other hand, we're a bit anxious for the day to play. We had a good week of work, we made the most of the time we had," he said.

Despite the Brazilian national team's comfortable qualification, other teams are still vying for a spot in next year's World Cup. Colombia and Peru will face off for one of these spots, with the red-and-blacks Paolo Guerrero, Miguel Trauco, and Gustavo Cuéllar involved in this duel. Arão spoke about this important duel with his teammates.

"They're three great friends of ours. I've known Guerrero the longest and I know how much he shines with his team to achieve this, as well as Cuéllar and Trauco. Brazil has already qualified, we did our part, but we're rooting for our friends, for their happiness. I don't know if it's possible for both teams to qualify," the midfielder asked. "I was even joking with Berrío that he'll be watching the game worried while we'll be more relaxed," he added.

Check out Willian Arão's full press conference: