After this morning's tactical training session in Gávea, coach Cuca confirmed the inclusion of attacking midfielder Eveton in the starting lineup for the match against Bangu on Thursday at 16:30 p.m. in Volta Redonda. In today's training session, Marcelinho trained with the reserves, and Everton formed the starting attack alongside Obina.

"Everton is coming in for Marcelinho Paraíba. I believe we can have more movement and consistency up front. I have a lot of confidence in Everton and hope he has a great performance. We already worked on this formation in the training match at Granja Comary. And I want to say that Marcelinho's departure is a tactical decision. Flamengo has a very strong group of players, and everyone can get their chance. Marcelinho is out now, but he could return to the starting lineup in the next match. We have a strong squad, and we'll use it."

The red-black coach expects the team to improve after the difficult debut against Friburguense.

"It's gradual. We'll improve throughout the competition. The players are gradually loosening up, adapting more and more to the team's system. The tactical and technical aspects are also improving. I expect an improvement compared to the game against Friburguense, even though it will be another close match. I said at the beginning of the season that this year's Campeonato Carioca will be more difficult than previous ones. The teams from the interior have been working since last year and are better in every aspect."