After Tuesday morning's physical training session at Gávea Stadium, coach Cuca couldn't hide his joy at the return of Ronaldo Angelim, who was suspended, and Kleberson, who was with the Brazilian national team. The red-and-black coach believes the team will be more cohesive in the next round of the Brazilian Championship, against Vitória at the Engenhão stadium.

"We have the return of starting players who are used to playing together. We're basically stuck with the same starting lineup, and the chemistry is better. These are players who have been together for almost a whole season. It's great to have them back."

Cuca did not fail to praise defenders Welinton and Fabrício, who were starters in the Fla-Flu.

"Experience is only gained with time and through the situations the game presents. It was like on Sunday, with Fabrício and Welinton, who performed very well. Angelim is important, of course, but he was very well replaced. The boys performed very well."

For the coach, the size of the Engenhão field will not be an obstacle for the red-black team to put on a good performance against Vitória.

"We've already played at Engenhão with Resende and had a great second half, a good victory. It's these good memories we need to have. There's a difference, the size of the field, and we have to know how to deal with it. We have to overcome this."

The club's manager praised midfielder Yves, who will undergo a trial period at Gávea. The player reported for duty earlier today and underwent medical examinations.

"Yves played in the Campeonato Carioca for Mesquita, played well, had been offered a contract, and had been maintaining his form. We'll evaluate him based on his background and the references from those who have worked with him. I think he can fit within what we need for the group. In the last game, for example, we didn't have a defensive midfielder on the bench. If he plays well, he's an alternative."

Cuca highlighted Adriano's progress, as he participated normally in physical training in the morning.

"When a player feels better, he seeks the ball more. Even though he's our reference point, Adriano has been moving more, which is important for the team. He's always looking for more, moving out wide. As he improves physically, he'll only grow."