The top scorer in the 2007 Brazilian Championship, striker Josiel failed to score in his first two matches for the red-and-black team. Coming off a nearly three-month layoff, the Gávea number 9 believes the goals will come at the right time in the competition.

"I'm calm. I understand the fans' reaction, especially considering I was top scorer last year and didn't score in two games. But I can't give up. The goals will come at the right time, and then I'll get back into gear with the whole team. The pressure is greater on me because of what I've already done, but I need to stay calm. Otherwise, the anxiety could get in the way even more."

Showing a lot of personality, Josiel admitted that he didn't perform well in the first two matches.

"I haven't been performing as well as expected. Last year I was very consistent, but what I have to do is work harder than my teammates to get back to being the top scorer I was before. I'm here to help. I won't solve anything alone, but my fight will always be to do the best I can for the team."

For Josiel, physical and technical work during the week will be important to get back into top shape.

"With games only on weekends, I'll grow physically and technically and improve my performance. I'm already in better physical shape, and the adaptation has to be as quick as possible because we're in the final stretch. I have to pick up the pace to perform as everyone expects."