The red-and-black team's preparations for the Copa do Brasil final entered their final stretch this Tuesday morning at Ninho do Urubu. After the training sessions on Field 5, led by coach Reinaldo Rueda, concluded, experienced defender Juan was present in the Victorino Chermont Press Room, where he gave a press conference.

Juan analyzed the matches for the national championship title, highlighting the challenges Cruzeiro will face. Despite anticipating a highly difficult match, the defender believes Cruzeiro won't change its attacking approach, a hallmark of the club's history. 

"Regardless of the championship or opponent, Flamengo has always been a team focused on playing forward, and I think it will be no different this time," he said. "The numbers show the balance, which is why both teams reached the final of such an important competition. Cruzeiro is a team that has played together for a long time, with Mano at the helm, an experienced and successful coach. They have players who have long excelled in Brazilian football. I think these will be two very close matches, decided by the details," he predicted.

The number 4 also emphasized his anticipation of being able to participate in the final. "It's the game everyone's been waiting for. We've worked hard to reach the final of an important championship like the Copa do Brasil. A championship where all the big clubs in Brazil have participated, but only two have the privilege of reaching the final. I'm very happy to be among these clubs and now it's time to work towards winning the title," he added.

As the days go by, coach Reinaldo Rueda has increasingly instilled his playing philosophy in the red-and-black team. Characteristics seen in other teams he has managed are beginning to be noticed match after match. Regarding the Colombian coach's adaptation, Juan recalled his experience in European football.

"Adapting to a better-organized championship and country is easier. In Brazil, our culture is very fast-paced, everything moves very quickly, and that's how it happened. He reached a semifinal, with the first game at the opponent's home ground. In these last ten days, we were able to work harder and he taught us more of his philosophy. Little by little, we're catching on. We had an identity, and now we're starting to incorporate everything he asks of us so the team can become even more competitive," he said.

The red-black commander will make the final adjustments to the team in training this Wednesday (06), when he will outline the team that will take to the field in the first game of the final. The ball will roll at Maracanão from 21:45 pm.

For me personally, it's normal. I've always been used to having foreign coaches because I've played abroad for a long time. It seems like a novelty, but every day that passes, more foreign coaches and players are working in Brazil. Even though it's a Brazilian team, we have many South American players. It's a good opportunity not only for me, but for all my teammates, to gain more insight into what's played at the South American level in other countries and grow as players.

It's part of Flamengo's culture. It's always been that way, and I think it always will be. Players coming through the youth academy have a place, those who deserve it and work hard. Almost every major team in Flamengo's history has had players who came through the club. These are players who, despite being young, have already played in youth team finals. They're training well and focused, like the rest of us, on bringing Flamengo another title.

I think the coaching duel is always a secondary issue. The most important thing is to highlight the work of Flamengo and Cruzeiro as a whole. They deserved to reach the final. We know that details will make the difference. I hope we'll be focused on the technical aspects for these 180 minutes and emerge victorious.

Perhaps the most ideal scenario would be if the game were in Brazil, as it would be closer. But the logistics of this scenario were very good. I don't know who will play, but I hope they return as healthy as they were and can help us on Thursday.

That's something we'll only know when the 180 minutes are over. There's no way to say which is better. Both stadiums will be full, but since everyone knows the players, it makes playing at both Maracanã and Mineirão easier, in my opinion. It will depend on what happens on the field.

I think when it gets to this level of semifinals and finals, they're almost always close, well-analyzed games that are decided by the details. That's the tendency. Sometimes things deviate a bit from the norm, but they're usually games like that.