Coach Caio Júnior makes his debut as coach of the red-and-black team on Sunday against Santos at the Maracanã Stadium. For the match, he will field the same team that faced América-MEX on Wednesday. Caio Júnior believes it's important to instill confidence in his players.

- "I spoke with the coaching staff and realized that the most important thing right now is the physical and psychological recovery of the group. A conversation now is worth more than a training session. The team that will face Santos will be the same one that started against América de México, because the most important thing right now is to instill confidence in everyone. From now on, the players are the ones who decide."

Caio Júnior urged the red-and-black squad to forget their elimination from the Copa Libertadores. The manager believes they need calm and confidence to make a strong debut in the Brazilian Championship.

- "I saw Santos' game in the Libertadores and they have a grueling trip to Mexico. I don't know how they'll approach this Brazilian Championship debut. For us, it's worth not complaining any longer. Now it's a different championship. We need to be calm and confident. These are characteristics of my work and we'll put the past behind us."

Before training this morning in Gávea, Caio Júnior spoke at length with the players in the center of the field. The coach said he assessed the defeat with the squad and sought to learn more about each player's characteristics.

- "I talked to the players, read what I saw of the match for them, and tried to find out from each of them how they feel best in a certain role. If there will be anything new from my side, it's this: having each one doing their specialty on the field."

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