After training on Wednesday (18), at Ninho do Urubu, it was the turn of the Garotos do Ninho to give a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room. Goalkeeper Thiago, defender Léo Duarte and midfielder Ronaldo answered several questions from the journalists present.

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The questions covered a variety of topics, ranging from these athletes' first year on the professional team to their expectations for the Mais Querido U-20 team, which is competing in the São Paulo Junior Football Cup and will face Corinthians in the quarterfinals.

The training period with the main group served to gain experience for these young players, as Thiago said. The goalkeeper also expressed calmness when discussing opportunities within manager Zé Ricardo's team.

"In the goalkeeper position, you need to be a little calmer. 2016 was a learning year, especially because Paulo (Victor) spent some time injured and I was able to experience a lot of games on the bench," commented the number 44, who then spoke about his expectations for 2017. "This year will be the same, as it will be our first Libertadores and, even on the bench, it will be a learning year," he added.

Léo Duarte is having the opportunity to train every day alongside an idol of his and the entire nation, with whom he partnered in his first professional match. Especially since they play the same position, the defender sees Juan as a role model and talks about the privilege of learning from a successful player who, like him, shares the red-and-black DNA. 

"Last year, I even made my debut with him. He teaches me a lot, tells me what to do, what's good for me, and what's not. He's a very experienced guy who's been through everything in football," said Léo. The current number 43 then revealed a curious fact about training with his idol. "I'm even biased because I've always been a fan of Juan, I've always loved his football. I'm even a little embarrassed to approach him, because it's truly a fan-idol relationship," he concluded.

With his eye on the Copinha and always looking to pass on his champion experience to the current under-20 squad of Mais Querido, Ronaldo reveals that he maintains close contact with the young players.

"I've been talking more through the group we have (on WhatsApp). We've moved up, but we've stayed with them, always connected. We've been letting them know that we're rooting for them, that they're on the right path, and that they have a very high-quality group," the midfielder extolled, then looking ahead to the future that awaits them. "I'm sure they have a lot of potential and can go far," he added.