At the end of another great performance by the Mais Querido at Ilha do Urubu, which saw coach Reinaldo Rueda's team earn three more points in the Brazilian Championship, Diego Alves gave an interview in the stadium's mixed zone. The goalkeeper spoke about his performance in the 2-0 victory over Atlético-PR, with goals from Diego and Willian Arão, which returned Flamengo to the top six.

Since the Colombian coach's arrival at the Gávea club, the team has kept four clean sheets, including both matches that took the Red-Blacks to the Copa do Brasil final. These impressive numbers demonstrate improved defensive organization, an aspect praised by the number 1.

"Every coach has their own tactics, their own style. We came from a period where we were conceding goals, even a bit too easily, given the situation of the game. I think the team has become aware of this. Rueda's work has made us more compact, and that helps defensively. Game after game, we gain confidence with these types of results, without conceding goals. It's important for the team's growth," said Diego Alves. "Without confidence, you can't even produce 60% of your potential. When the victories are as resounding as these, without conceding goals, it gives the team the confidence it needs to continue growing and, at the same time, be strong defensively and offensively," he added.

A new consistency in performances is directly linked to the qualification achieved in the Copa do Brasil, according to the goalkeeper. "We know how important the last game was. It mobilized the whole Rio team. When you win the way we did, it shows that the team wants more, to improve. That's important. Right now, we have to think about growth. This month we have decisions to make. These positive results make the team grow in every way," he concluded.

This week, the squad will turn its attention to the Primeira Liga Cup. In the quarterfinals of the competition, Mais Querido will face Paraná in a single clash seeking to advance to the next phase. The match will be played this Wednesday (30), at the Kleber Andrade stadium, in Cariacica-ES, with the ball rolling from 21:45 pm.