The day after Mais Querido's 1-0 loss to Coritiba, football director Rodrigo Caetano held a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room at Ninho do Urubu. The team's poor form was the main topic of conversation between the director and the reporters.

Before the questions began, Caetano made clear the dissatisfaction of all members of the football department with recent results. Despite the negative away results, the nation is strong in supporting the Red-Blacks as they seek to return to winning ways in the upcoming matches, valid for both the Brazilian Championship and the CONMEBOL South American Championship.

"Before anything else, I speak here on behalf of everyone in the football department about our frustration, especially with the recent results. I want to say that no one here is in the least bit comfortable with this situation and that this team's fluctuation worries us greatly. Our away record is poor. But we'll return to playing at home, where our performance has been good, especially in a crucial week for us," he stated.

"Even though the fans are frustrated and outraged, just as we are, we are certain that those who go to Ilha and Maracanã will support Flamengo, as they always have. The numbers show how much their attendance and support make a difference to this team at this time when everyone is trying to regain that confidence, which will certainly come with the support of these fans," the director added.

Caetano then commented on the team's performance on the field and the management's performance off it. Emphasizing his understanding of the demands he's been receiving from the outside, the collective outrage over Flamengo's current situation is also generating internal pressure, according to the manager. 

"The feeling, as I said, is one of indignation and frustration at the same time. It was natural that after yesterday's defeat, we would have to arrive in Rio and pick up the pieces. We've been trying to do that since yesterday after the game," he observed. "We have a group of responsible athletes. You don't see any of them, especially at this time of fan suffering, having their images exposed, disrespecting them; quite the opposite. Our team played well, but in others, we fell far short. We accept and understand the external pressure from the press and fans. Without violence, obviously, but the labels that are placed on us must be challenged," said Caetano.

"The profession of all of us who make a living from football is one of eternal pressure. We have the duty to hold ourselves accountable for performance and results. This has been and always will be done. Those who have known me in the nine years I've been in Rio know this very well, but we're not going to put on a show to say I do things and make things happen. Because I don't believe in any kind of success like this. This level of exposure doesn't bring results; quite the opposite. Pressure has always existed at Flamengo, even with the labels placed on the Flamengo Football Department and the athletes," he assured.

On Sunday afternoon (19), Flamengo will host Corinthians at Ilha do Urubu. Aiming to secure qualification for the Copa Libertadores through the Brazilian Championship, a winning streak proves to be fundamental for the resumption at the end of the season. Caetano highlighted the importance of the support of the red-black fans in this process.

"Our hope is that we react in these home games. That we can repeat the good performances we've had. I'm sure the fans, even those who come to demand, and rightfully so, are Flamengo fans. They want to see their team win. The record at Ilha and Maracanã shows how much we depend on our fans. I hope they support us from start to finish and that we can ultimately achieve victory in these three games, which are crucial for us," projected the football director.