The training sessions showcase his well-known technical quality. A potential that, incidentally, didn't escape coach Ney Franco's notice. So much so that in Wednesday's tactical training, the coach used Thiago in the starting defense. Despite his usual calm, it's clear the player understands the importance of the moment he could be experiencing at Flamengo.

During training, Thiago formed the defensive line with Moisés and Ronaldo Angelim. Irineu, however, did not participate due to pain in the adductor muscle in his left thigh. He is expected to return to training this Thursday and, according to coach Ney Franco, will compete with Moisés for the position for the match against Goiás on Sunday at Serra Dourada.

"If I opt for a three-center-back system, Thiago and Ronaldo Angelim will play. The question remains between Moisés and Irineu," Ney said.

For Thiago, news that has been awaited for some time.

"In January, when the season started, I was in the final stages of recovering from an injury. The team started the year well, winning games, and became State Champion. It was up to me to wait for the opportunity. That's football. Anyone who follows training knows I have no problems and I've been working for a chance, always respecting Neymar's decision," says the defender.

He knows that a good performance could mark the beginning of a new phase. His last match was in the Rio Cup, against Friburguense, when Flamengo won 2-1.

"In football, chances don't have a specific time or place. It's up to me to seize the opportunity that comes my way. I've played many times in a three-defender system, and if that's Ney Franco's choice, I don't see a problem."

Thiago, however, sees no reason for an atmosphere of distrust surrounding Flamengo's defense.

Football is a collective game. You can change all the players in any department and still have a bad game. If the defense isn't performing well, there's no point in the attack scoring goals, as the result may not be good. If the attack isn't performing well, there's no point in the other departments defending well. So, we have to strive for a good collective performance.