After a vigorous workout in the pool this morning in Gávea, vice president of football Kleber Leite, coach Cuca, and captain Fábio Luciano denied any discussion about unpaid wages in the Maracanã locker room following the 2-2 draw with Botafogo last Sunday. According to Leite, there was simply a healthy meeting to discuss various matters.

"They said there was friction with Fábio Luciano. In my entire life, I've never met someone as polite, kind, and professional as Fábio Luciano. There's no way he's being aggressive. There was a meeting, there's no denying it. It was me, Plínio, Cuca, Fábio, Bruno, and Ibson. We talked at length about various topics and sought solutions to the problems," said the vice president.

Fábio Luciano admitted that the meeting took place, but denied any disagreement with Kleber Leite.

"The meeting took place, but not as some people said. I don't yell at a teammate or the kit men, and I wouldn't do that to the president. Kleber and I talk daily, and I owe him a debt of gratitude for bringing me to Flamengo. I'm living the best days of my life here. We discussed several topics, including the salary issue, the semifinal opponent, Angelim's injury. We didn't make any demands. The work here is serious and honest, and I'm saddened that they think we're suddenly not performing well because of the debts. I've been at Flamengo for two years, and suddenly the fans were given the impression that I'm not."

According to Flamengo's captain, the problems of late salaries are not taken onto the field.

"It's a topic that's talked about and could be avoided if it were up to date. But it's something that doesn't carry over to the field. No one faces Botafogo thinking about that, but rather about beating an opponent. I've experienced this at other clubs. Those who wear a Flamengo jersey don't take problems onto the field."

Cuca sees the locker room meeting between the coaching staff, the directors and the players as natural.

"There was a meeting in the locker room. I don't know how this is reaching the press, but it's a fact. It was a conversation between professionals and the directors, with the coaching staff present. I see it as natural. Kleber and Plínio always clarify situations. The most important thing is that no one stops racing because of unpaid salaries. I've been talking to the players. It's a situation where you have to be highly professional, as they are. The problem affects some more than others. The less said about it, the better, because tomorrow or the day after, this situation, being public, can only backfire."