After training this morning at Gávea, Fábio Luciano assured that the red-and-black team is still alive in the Brazilian Championship. The Flamengo captain said the squad is reeling after the 3-0 loss to Atlético-MG. The chance for recovery could come in the next round, against Vasco, at Maracanã.

"Now we have nine games, the balance remains, and we have to assimilate what happened. We're a little bit hungry to show what Flamengo really is. There's nothing better than a week of games against Vasco, our biggest rival, to work hard and try to prove we can still fight for the Libertadores and the title. Beating our biggest rival can restore our confidence."

For the player, the Vasco team deserves a lot of respect, even though they are in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship.

"We have to respect all our opponents. We saw what happened when we didn't run and fought until the end. Our chances have diminished, but we'll fight until the end. We have to win the remaining games and see what happens. Today, Grêmio only depends on itself."

Fábio Luciano stated that the meeting between the board and the players this morning was very productive.

"We always hold meetings, but when we lose, it's more publicized. It's always good, especially after a defeat. You have to try to mature. The team felt it, and yesterday was a sad day for all of us here. It's important to emphasize that everyone knows they didn't play well. Flamengo isn't what we saw on Saturday. It's a team that always fights, that may not win, but fights until the end, as happened, for example, against Sport."

Regarding the controversy surrounding the substitutions of Kleberson and Ibson, Fábio Luciano said that no player likes to be substituted and that everyone in the group supports and respects Caio Júnior's work.

"It's normal for a player to leave upset, as happened with Ibson and Kleberson. I don't see a problem because I feel that when a player doesn't like leaving, it's because they want to help. Removing him is the coach's choice, but the player has the right to stay. The important thing is not to carry this over into the work week. If a player leaves, they embrace the coach, but carrying it over into the week is worse. I wouldn't leave smiling, but respect and trust in the coach must remain."

Suspended for the match against Atlético-MG, Fábio Luciano does not believe that his absence will determine the red-black team's defeats.

"I don't see my absence determining the team's defeats. One player doesn't make a team win. I'm happy to be back and more alert to avoid cards I could have avoided. I'll be present for the remaining nine games to help the team in the final stretch."