Flamengo will be missing several players for Sunday's match: Petkovic, Leonardo Moura, Juan, Ronaldo Angelim, Adriano... plus the traded Airton and Zé Roberto. Therefore, the red-and-black team in its State Championship debut is expected to be quite different from the one that won the 2009 Brazilian Championship. Despite this, midfielder Kleberson believes the team is prepared and asks the fans for patience, warning that he is aware that the Red-and-Black team will have difficulties against Caxias.

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"The team is very mixed, with new players getting a good opportunity. We have a lot of competitions this year, and it's important to start off on the right foot on Sunday. Everyone is rooting for the return of the players who are out, because they are experienced players. At Flamengo, the pressure is very high, and when it comes, you have to be prepared. We know we'll have difficulties on Sunday, but we're going to win the match, always showing great desire," he said.

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With Adriano at Flamengo, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos at Corinthians, and other teams strengthening their squads and bringing back players from abroad, Brazilian football stands to gain. This is Kleberson's opinion. A five-time World Cup champion with the Brazilian national team, a three-time Rio de Janeiro champion, and a Brazilian champion with Flamengo, the midfielder praises this development and advocates for regional tournaments.

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"Brazilian football is evolving a lot. The quality is increasing, with great players returning to Brazil. This strengthens the regional championships and the Brazilian championship. Fans like these players, the stadiums are full, and the championship gains a special charm," he concluded.