A Monday with a special flavor for the Nation. Officially introducing Reinaldo Rueda as the newest coach of the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved Club), President Eduardo Bandeira de Mello participated in the press conference held in the Victorino Chermont Press Room at Ninho do Urubu. The first words of the interview were spoken by the president, who spoke about Rueda's credentials upon his arrival at the Rubro-Negro.

"He's a coach who needs no introduction. He's the current Copa Libertadores champion, with two World Cups under his belt. He's a winner wherever he's been. He has a wealth of experience, including connections in Europe. He's a coach who I believe is up to the task of achieving what Flamengo wants for its future, developing everything we're doing to put Flamengo at the top, where its fans deserve," he praised.

Issues regarding the coach's regularization continue to be resolved, with the expectation that his debut will take place this Wednesday (16), against Botafogo. The first match of the semifinal stage of the Copa do Brasil was one of the topics addressed by Bandeira de Mello, who highlighted his desire for a peaceful atmosphere inside and outside the stadium.

"You are witnesses that Flamengo has never been hostile. I have always expressed my preference for harmony and peaceful coexistence. I even prefer that Rio derbies have free access for fans. It's easy for me because I was raised that way. I have dear friends who support Botafogo, Tricolor, and Vasco," he said, recalling his days as a fan. "Those of you who are older, like me, will remember the doubleheaders. I would go with my Botafogo friends to Maracanã. We would leave after the games and remain friends. I'll take advantage of this question to send a message to Flamengo and Botafogo fans so that, even when separated, they can coexist. If you meet at the entrance or exit, do not show any kind of hostility," he added.

The match, which will be played at home, will be played at Maracanã Stadium. However, disagreements between Flamengo's board and the concessionaire that manages the stadium, both structurally and financially, persist.

"Flamengo's stance continues. We still think Maracanã is too expensive, and the pitch isn't as ideal and wonderful as the one we have at Ilha do Urubu, but I believe a temporary improvement can be made to provide good playing conditions. We reached an agreement to play four games by the end of the year. We'll preserve these dates for the matches we can't play at Ilha, such as the Copa do Brasil and the Copa Sudamericana in their decisive stages. In the Brasileirão, it's possible we'll play a game or two at Maracanã, but the restriction remains," the president emphasized.

"We are waiting for the launch of the new Maracanã bid to find out if Flamengo will participate, and in parallel we are continuing to plan our own stadium, with capacity for 45 to 50 thousand people, in case we do not participate in this new bid," he concluded.