Rio - Coach Andrade heads into his first preseason as Flamengo coach dreaming of a year like 2009: with titles. To that end, he's asking for more reinforcements, focusing on the core squad he's retained, and continuing to search for a backup for Petkovic.

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With the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Carioca as his main objectives, he regrets the possibility of having only 50% of what he imagines for his starting team available for the debut, next Sunday, against Duque de Caxias, at Maracanã, but he is making plans to field the Vágner Love/Adriano duo and can already imagine his opponents losing sleep before facing what he considers, in theory, the best attacking partnership in the country.

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Attack: What do you expect from the start of this year, when you have the chance to do a preseason for the first time as a coach?

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Andrade: Expectations are high, even higher than I expected. The group returned more mature and aware of what needs to be done. Although the team was out for a month, I'm optimistic about the group's willingness to return to work, with enthusiasm, enthusiasm, and interest in the work. There's concern that 10 days isn't ideal, but this return to work has me excited.

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How are you dealing with the losses the group suffered with the departures of Zé Roberto, Aírton and Everton?

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There were three key players in the scheme put together last year. We're waiting for replacements, as this year will see greater pressure and greater responsibility.

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Not to mention the absences at the beginning of the year...

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Initially, I won't be able to count on Leonardo Moura and Petkovic, and I don't know how Ronaldo Angelim will be. Without the other three, I'm missing 50% of last year's squad.

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And what's Adriano's situation? Will he miss the Carioca debut because of the burn?

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I hope not. He's here with the group, rested for a few days, but I don't think it'll be a problem. We have a week to work before the debut against Duque de Caxias...

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So tomorrow you'll start putting together the team for the debut?

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With Adriano already on the field, I'll have two training sessions this week, one on Wednesday and one on Friday. On Monday, I'll do the tactical part.

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Will the scheme be the same as last year, despite the change of players?

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That's the idea: to maintain the structure. Unless the reinforcements don't have that profile, then there's no point.

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Is this the case for Vágner Love to replace Zé Roberto?

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Then, yes, I'll have to change something. I used to play with a square midfielder, and I can switch to a diamond. Zé played a dual role. He helped shape the midfield. Vagner Love is a forward who doesn't have that same ability.

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And what will the duo formed by Vágner Love and Adriano be like?

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In theory, it's safe to say it's the best in Brazil. Now, let's hope that this plays out in practice, as it has everything it needs to succeed: quality and good technique from two goalscorers. I think it'll be a real concern for opposing teams. They need to know they'll be marking two national team-caliber players. Some defenders will have trouble sleeping knowing they'll be facing Adriano and Vágner Love the next day.

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Besides Love replacing Zé Roberto, who are the players being considered to replace Aírton and Pet, who are unlikely to play in the debut?

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I have replacements. In Aírton's case, I can drop Willians and Toró and bring in Kleberson, or leave things as they are and start Fernando. Currently, Pet's replacement would be Erick Flores, and Adriano's partner, if not Love, would be between Gil and Vinicius Pacheco. In Lée Moura's place, Everton Silva comes in. But we're still looking for signings. While there's a downside to not signing many, there's also the upside of maintaining the core.

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Is Petkovic's late arrival another problem for your work?

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It's a complicating factor because of what Pet represents to the group. There's no one ready to replace him right now, and no one else will be the guy without a problem. Even in Brazil, it's hard to find a number 10 like him.

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It's no wonder that several clubs are betting on football veterans.

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It could be a 'petmania'. A 37-year-old player has succeeded, so people believe others can. They have extensive experience and can contribute within the group, as was the case with Pet at Flamengo. He ended up opening the market for these players, as did Paulo Baier and Ramon, who were standouts.

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How is Andrade doing now, Brazilian champion as coach?

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I don't carry that with me. I handle the situation well. I also know that this is in the past. We've written a chapter, now it's time to think about what's ahead. You know how football is: if we don't get a good result in the Campeonato Carioca, those who applaud now will boo. We have to live with reality. 2009 is behind us.

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What do you expect from the Copa Libertadores?

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It's going to be a tough Libertadores. We'll face opponents accustomed to the competition. Previously, there was a lot of talk about altitude, but now they're technically skilled teams.

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Can you make any promises to Flamengo fans?

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I'm not one to make promises. It's hard to make any kind of prediction, to say who will win this or that. We need to build a strong team, at Libertadores level. Corinthians, São Paulo, Cruzeiro, and Inter are all strengthening.

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Is anyone already keeping an eye on their opponents?

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Paulo Henrique is already seeing this, both in the Libertadores and the Carioca. We're waiting for a Caracas home game to see what their attitude will be like on the field. We'll have the opportunity to see our first opponent in the Libertadores Preliminary, as Universidad Católica and Colón play two home-and-away matches to determine who qualifies.

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How do you analyze the dispute for the State title?

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It'll be a balanced championship, with all teams strengthening their positions. The fans will benefit from this, as they'll see great games, great teams, and sell out stadiums. I think winning this Brazilian Championship was good for Rio de Janeiro soccer.