Coach Caio Júnior praised the week of preparation for Sunday's match against Santos at Vila Belmiro. The Flamengo captain took advantage of the training sessions to get the team in tune with left-back Eltinho, who will be making his debut, and Léo Moura, who will be used in midfield.

"Tactically, the week without games was important for us to train well and get Eltinho in tune with the group. We were also able to work on Léo Moura in the middle. We know how to play defensively, and now we're testing a formation that gives us better quality from midfield forward."

Flamengo's coach explained his options for Léo Moura to set up plays and Toró on the right wing.

"With Léo, we have a variety of plays and can rotate him with Toró. If I had put Luizinho in, I wouldn't have that option for variety, and I needed a substitute in case Eltinho started to lose his rhythm."

For Caio Júnior, Flamengo's 32-year winless streak at Vila Belmiro shows how difficult it is to beat the São Paulo team at home.

"The taboo exists more for the press and the fans. But the Santos one is very long, a sign that it's difficult to win there. Given their situation, the pressure, and our need to score, the match will become even more difficult."

Even with the signing of Marcelinho Paraíba and Rubens Sambueza, Caio Júnior believes that the squad still needs a player for the midfield.

"I'm waiting for a player to play in the middle. Marcelinho has the ability to play on the left as a midfielder or second striker."