Flamengo lost to Atlético-PR 2-1 on Saturday night (1), and said goodbye to the 2018 Brazilian Championship and the Red-Black Nation at Maracanã. Coach Dorival Júnior also said goodbye, ending his time at Mais Querido after a great campaign in the final stretch of the national championship.

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"I'm not thinking about anything other than a good result to recognize what we've accomplished and developed over the years here. I was happy to see how the players addressed Eduardo Bandeira de Mello in the locker room to thank him for his work over the past few years. We wanted more than anyone to achieve a good result at Maracanã, and we worked hard to achieve that. Atlético came from behind and were competent. It was a hard-fought game, very well worked. It's important to recognize and praise everything that was accomplished in the two months I spent at Flamengo. I can only express my gratitude, as all of this demonstrates the greatness of the Mais Querido. The professionals here are incredibly dedicated to the club, and that deserves to be highlighted," declared Dorival.

"When a team sets out to play, it's naturally prepared to counterattack. If you trust your style of play and your squad, in the vast majority of games you'll be successful. In some matches, that doesn't happen, but this is a well-coached, well-trained, hard-working team. We've gone seven games without conceding a goal; it's a team that's always in the opponent's half. I truly believe in what I do and in groups that believe in this style of play. At most of the clubs I've played for, we've achieved good results playing this way. I was Brazilian runner-up two seasons in a row. It's not a title, but it shows we're always striving. Regarding the future, I'm leaving it open and I don't know what will happen. May the best be for Flamengo; that's what everyone is rooting for," he said.

Lucas Paquetá returned to the starting lineup this Saturday, officially saying goodbye to Flamengo after 12 years wearing the Manto. Regarding the number 11's return, Dorival explained the choice. "Paquetá is Flamengo's starter. Vitinho sprained his ankle during the week, but based on everything he's done throughout the year, Lucas should be a starter. He missed the previous game after being sent off a match earlier. He deservedly returned and played a great game. The team is very competitive, vibrant, and will certainly be looking for titles based on everything the club has been working on," said the coach.

Regarding the future, the coach preferred to leave the possibilities open, also discussing the team's preparations for 2019. "Flamengo can't stand still. It's natural that there's an election in a few days, but some measures were necessary. Our director Carlos Noval was aware of this and a plan was made to advance next year's preseason as much as possible. There's a much more important factor than renewal at this moment. Our work here ends today, but I'm very happy with everything I've experienced these past two months," concluded Dorival Júnior.

The Most Beloved is now on vacation and will only return in January, when it begins preparations for the Florida Cup and the 2019 Carioca Championship.

Watch the full press conference on FlaTV: