A standout in today's afternoon training session at Gávea, attacking midfielder Marcelinho Paraíba couldn't hide his excitement in the post-training press conference. Selected by coach Caio Júnior to play in midfield, Marcelinho said he felt very good during the nearly 50 minutes of training.

"The training session was very good. I felt very comfortable in midfield, coming from behind, with two fast strikers up front. This training made me much more confident for Sunday. Caio Júnior put me in the position I like, and I think I have everything to have a great game. Diego Tardelli and Vandinho move around a lot and create spaces for me to arrive from behind. We have everything to get a victory in Curitiba."

Marcelinho Paraíba said he understands Caio Júnior's decision to normally play him as a striker.

“We already talked and I told him that my preference is to play in midfield. But when I arrived, the team's formation was already set and I had to sacrifice a bit. Overall, I think I did well. But next year I'll fight for a spot in my original position, which is the one I trained in today. I feel better and I think I can perform better.”