After the recovery training session carried out by the athletes who made up the initial red-black team for last Sunday's classic (12) against Botafogo, Paolo Guerrero appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room to give a press conference.

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During his conversation with reporters, the center forward commented on his good form at the beginning of 2017, scoring five goals in five matches for the "Mais Querido" (Most Wanted). Guerrero analyzed his performance last season compared to this one, discussing the differences within the team and highlighting a greater chemistry compared to 2016.

"This year the team is more cohesive. Reinforcements have arrived that have just completed the team and fit in well," said the commander of the red-and-black attack. "It's working because we know each other well, we have a standard of play, and we've been able to correct the mistakes we made last year," he added.

Guerrero also credited Zé Ricardo, whom he attributed a significant role in his improved performance. The number 9 commented on the conversation they had after returning from last year's Copa América, which saw the center forward masterfully perform his role for the Peruvian national team. "We had a really nice chat. He's a very honest and sincere guy. He said everything he had to say. I felt very comfortable with him, very comfortable. We started working together in a way that was comfortable for both of us," Guerrero praised. 

The striker also praised the dedicated work done by the professionals at Flamengo's Performance Excellence Center (CEP FLA) upon his return to action at Ninho do Urubu. "The preparation was ideal. I started changing my training. We put together a program, organized with the medical department and the physical trainer to prepare me well. This year I'm feeling great. As a group, we're running more, feeling stronger to fight for the ball. I think it's a program Flamengo had already put in place to ensure everything went smoothly, and it's turning out just as we wanted," he added.