One of the most outstanding players of the current season, having made it to the Brazilian national team, left-back Juan is focused on Flamengo's next challenge in the Brazilian Championship, on Sunday against Ipatinga in Rio de Janeiro. Even with the Minas Gerais team in second-to-last place, Juan believes the match will be very difficult.

"We have to always think about winning, but one game at a time. There's no point dwelling on the last game and forgetting about the next one. Now it's just Ipatinga, and we need the determination and focus to win. Some people might think it's easy to come in and win, but Ipatinga is growing, has its own goals in the championship, and we need to be careful with that."

Juan believes that Ipatinga will play very defensively and exploit counterattacks.

"Any team that plays defensively, with dedication, and plays well that way gives us a hard time. The league leader has already won some matches 1-0 at home. We have to find a way to break down the opponent's defense and prevent counterattacks."