After beating Atlético-GO in a friendly match held last Saturday (07) in Goiânia, the Flamengo squad returned this Monday (09) at Ninho do Urubu and continues preparing for the debut in the Brazilian Championship. After the activities at CT, midfielder Cuéllar spoke to journalists in a press conference and praised assistant coach Maurício Barbieri, who has been in charge of Mais Querido since last week.

"Anyone who works at Flamengo knows they'll be under pressure every day. Barbieri is a wonderful coach and has new ideas for us on the field. If he's at Flamengo, it's because he has quality. In one week, he managed to implement his idea. If he stays, we'll work to continue his work," he said. 

The Rubro-Negro's number 8 also praised his relationship with the assistant coach of the permanent committee, who is gradually passing on his game ideas to the squad. 

"It's been really good day to day. We had a test over the weekend, and the most important thing was performing well on the field, implementing his ideas effectively. He wants the midfielders to get into the box more and apply pressure."

Next Saturday (14), Flamengo debuts in the Brazilian Championship Series A against Vitória, in Salvador. Cuéllar highlighted the importance of starting well in the competition. 

"It's going to be very important for us to start well. We're going after the title that Flamengo deserves and also trying to get the three points at Barradão." 

The ball will roll at Barradão, the venue for the match, starting at 19 pm.

"We embraced his game plan and put it into practice. We achieved a good result, performing well and preparing for the first game of the Brazilian Championship. We implemented the coach's ideas well." 

"One difference was that Paulo's midfielders came looking for the game. Now with Mauricio, he wants the midfielders to attack the box and look for space. Diego's goal was practiced during the week. We're working hard to get more men into the box." 

"I'll be available, whether I'm a starter or a reserve. I'll give my best when I'm a starter, and I'll do my best when I'm a reserve as well. I want the best for Flamengo, the club I represent and hold dear.

- Good memories of the game at Barradão. We went to Barranquilla and secured a spot in the final of the Copa Sudamericana, and in that game we secured a direct spot in the Libertadores. These are good memories, and it was a good result that allowed us to advance directly to the group stage. It will be a good game. The pitch is difficult to play on, but we're at Flamengo and we have to go for the three points wherever we can.