Flamengo finished preparations for its debut in the Brazilian Championship this Friday morning (13), which will be against Vitória, in Salvador. After the activities carried out at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Diego Alves highlighted the importance of the game and guaranteed that everyone in the group is ready to start the national competition on the right foot. 

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"We want to start well, with a win, earning points away from home. Our first thought, regardless of the games ahead, is Vitória. Our full focus is on Vitória. We're prepared and confident we can make a good debut there."

The number 1 also spoke about the time the team had to work and make some adjustments.

"The two weeks were welcome to improve the physical aspect, work with Maurício, and prepare well. I think that's why it was important to have those two weeks."

Diego Alves commented on the pressure of playing for Flamengo and spoke again about the two weeks the squad had to prepare for the game against Vitória. 

"Responsibility exists even in friendlies, in training, anywhere. Flamengo is like that. The pressure for positive results will always be there. As I said: the most important thing was the preparation, the time we spent working with Maurício."

Finally, the goalkeeper spoke a little about Maurício Barbieri’s characteristics. 

- Very studious, enjoys intense work, pressure, and concentration. The first impression is of a calm guy, confident in what he's doing. Intelligent, young, and also driven to achieve his goals.

The ball will roll at 19 p.m. The venue for the first match in the Brasileirão will be Barradão.

Check out Diego Alves' press conference in full