After this afternoon's tactical training session at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center in Vargem Grande, coach Cuca stated that he expects a great match on Sunday, when the red-and-black team faces Sport in Recife Island. Cuca believes the opponent will be even more aggressive with the arrival of a new coach, but he assured that Flamengo will go to Recife fully capable of winning the match.

"The players always show more enthusiasm when the coach debuts. It's a motivating factor. Sport plays very well on the Island. It's going to be a good game. The pitch there is very bad, but that's no excuse. We're prepared to play a good game. We beat Santo André at their home ground, and now we have two tough away games. But anyone with ambition, like us, has to play equally hard at home and away, always striving for victory."

For Cuca, a very strong squad is needed to fight for the top spots in the Brazilian Championship.

"To compete for the title, a strong squad is essential, not just a strong team. We have a good group and we'll fight for the top spots."