Back in Rio de Janeiro after Flamengo's debut in the Copa Conmebol Sudamericana, which resulted in a 5-2 victory over the Chilean team Palestino, work resumed at Ninho do Urubu in preparation for another important match in the Brazilian Championship. After the field activities ended, coach Zé Ricardo went to the Victorino Chermont Press Room, where he gave the last press conference before the classic this Saturday (08), against Vasco da Gama.

Most of the questions asked by the journalists present focused on the match, which the Flamengo coach has experienced many times, especially during his time working with the youth teams. Regarding this weekend's match, the coach emphasized the objective of maintaining the team's good form in the national competition, highlighting the confidence he has in the group in their quest for another great performance, this time away from home.

"It's truly a special game for us. Not only because it's a regional derby, but also to maintain the good form we're in," analyzes Zé Ricardo. "Playing at São Januário is always very difficult. I've faced this opponent several times in the youth ranks. But when the game starts, the players will have the power to decide. Vasco's fans will do their part, as they'll be playing at home, but our fans will also be present. We will, without a doubt, go with great strength and hope to have another good game and maintain our good rhythm," he projects.

Due to the large number of matches, the physical department has been working on a special program to ensure that the athletes are in their best condition. As part of this schedule, some players remained at Ninho do Urubu carrying out specific work during the delegation's trip to Chile last Monday (03). Zé Ricardo explains a little about this planning and comments on the reasons why, aiming for the continuity of the season, these athletes were not selected for the last match.

"This is a schedule we follow periodically. Some players were coming off a very long run of games, not only for their clubs but also for their national teams, as is the case with Paolo (Guerrero) and Miguel (Trauco). We saw this opportunity because we've just come off a long run of games and we'll have another very long run of games soon. Unfortunately, this game won't be on Sunday. We would have more time to rest because the next game is only on Thursday, against Grêmio. It will be important for us to make this effort," observes the Flamengo coach, who explains the squad selection for the match against Palestino. "We went with a strong team as much as possible, with all those who could be physically at their peak, especially because we knew it was a high-intensity game, which is how Chilean teams play. It was very important for us to recover some players and for others to improve their rhythm, balancing the playing time of the squad. This is how we hope to do it throughout the season," he projects.

Other topics were addressed during the interview, such as the physical condition of right-back Pará and midfielder Diego, as well as the improved match fitness of Everton Ribeiro, who scored his first goal wearing the Sacred Mantle in the last match. Zé Ricardo also comments on the red-black game plan for the classic this Saturday (08), which will have the ball rolling in São Januário from 18 pm.