After the 2-0 victory against Bahia, the Flamengo squad returned to the Ninho do Urubu training center on Friday afternoon (1). After activities at CEP FLA and on Field 4 in preparation for the match against Corinthians, midfielder Diego spoke to the press in a press conference.

“The fact that Corinthians are the current Brazilian champions makes the game very difficult. Without a doubt, it's a good match to play. We will be prepared, the Maracanã will have a great number of fans once again, and we will do what needs to be done in search of another victory at home,” analyzed the number 10.

“Throughout the season, if we remain balanced, determined, and organized, we will have many important games like this one against Corinthians. Before thinking about the future, we have to focus on the present. The best way to prepare is to do what we are doing, following the same line of reasoning, the same way of playing, and always trying to improve with each match. The expectation is for a good game,” Diego projected.

Next Monday, Flamengo will find out who their opponent will be in the next phase of the Conmebol Libertadores. When asked about it, Diego stated that Flamengo will fight hard for the spot. “I expect a difficult and balanced match. The Libertadores already presents many challenges right from the group stage. We went through a very big test, more than any other team, which was playing two games at home without the fans. We will be prepared for whoever comes, and whoever wants to move forward doesn't choose their opponent. So we will prepare very hard to arrive well-prepared for the game,” he opined.

With his work consolidated at Flamengo, coach Maurício Barbieri has been receiving praise from fans and his team. The midfielder took the opportunity to extol the coach. “It’s a team that knows what it wants, what needs to be done, and is tactically well-defined about what needs to be done. There are some points we need to improve to evolve, of course, but he’s a coach who has good ideas, is confident, and consistent. We’re experiencing a good moment and we’re heading in the right direction,” said Diego.

“I believe there are several ways to win a match. For a team that wants to go far and win titles, we have to identify that game by game. We have a way of playing that we can sometimes impose, but when that doesn't work, we'll adjust to get the result anyway. We did exactly what we wanted in the first half against Bahia. It's a long, difficult competition with different opponents. We will always try to put into practice what is best. When that doesn't work, we'll find a way to solve it,” he concluded.

Regarding his performance in Thursday's match, Diego praised the goal he scored. “I always try to do my best. You can't do everything, so what you can do has to be done well. I'm always looking to improve, evolve in training, watch videos, everything to help more and more. Against Bahia, we managed to have a great collective performance. It was very good to score, to participate in the game, and I hope things continue like this,” he concluded.

Flamengo returns to the field next Sunday (3), at 16 pm, when they face Corinthians at Maracanã. Tickets for another Brazilian Championship match are already on sale at http://flamengo.com.br/ingresso