About to debut in the 2019 Carioca Championship, Flamengo held another training session in the afternoon at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center with coach Abel Braga. Before the activity this Friday (18), midfielder Gustavo Cuéllar spoke to the press and spoke about his expectations for the game against Bangu this Sunday, at 17 pm, at Maracanã.

"Having Flamengo play at Maracanã is always a reason to go. The Flamengo fans are wonderful. It's the first game of a team that wants to win and achieve important things this year. We were behind last year, and this year we're focused on winning. I ask the fans to come and support us," said the number 8.

After winning the Florida Cup, Abel Braga, who took over Flamengo's management this season, will also make his Carioca debut. "The coach was always very direct and told us everything he wants for us. He said the team that will play on Sunday will be different from the one on Wednesday. Everyone is ready to play. If I can play on Sunday, I hope it will be the best debut possible. If I don't play, I want to support my teammates," Cuéllar stated.

Looking ahead to the match against Bangu, the player assured that his focus is always on victory. "We're eager to start the championship in the best possible way. I'm eager, but I feel nervous before games. That's normal for high-performance athletes. Flamengo makes you feel different, and we're eager to start strong and finish with the title," he assured.

"It was smooth sailing, just like we welcomed Rodrigo and the players who arrived last year. We're very united. They both have a lot of quality, and the team will need them. We hope they're very happy here at Flamengo." 

"Regardless of the opponent, Flamengo always enters games with the obligation to win three points. Investment doesn't guarantee we'll win everything; on the field, it's 11 against 11. We'll go in wearing the Flamengo jersey, and that's a huge responsibility."

"I'm willing to do what's best for Flamengo. If the coach thinks I should play alone, with someone to help with marking, or even not play at all, that will be accepted. We are professionals, and regardless of the strategy, I will do my best for whatever the coach needs."

"We haven't had a personal conversation yet, just with the whole group. This may happen as the games progress, a little further down the line. We'll analyze everything and make any necessary adjustments. We haven't had a direct conversation with him yet."