With two goals scored in the last two matches, plus Obina's suspension, striker Maxi has a good chance of being on the field for Sunday's derby against Botafogo at the Maracanã.

“I always say I’m ready. But it’s on the field that I need to live up to what the coach expects of me. Everyone wants to play, but there aren’t only eleven places to start. The important thing is for everyone to be ready when needed. To play, I need to give the coach confidence. Whenever I come on, I’m thinking about helping the team. I had the opportunity to score two goals, but that doesn’t guarantee me a starting spot. Maybe if I can’t establish myself, it’s because I need to improve. When I don’t perform well, I’m upset with myself, not with the coach for not selecting me.”

Maxi stated that the Flamengo squad knows the importance of a victory in Sunday's derby.

"We know we need to beat Botafogo. It's a game where we have to play well and try to recover."

The Argentinian assured that the Flamengo group remains motivated to fight for their sixth Brazilian championship.

"We will fight until the end. Those who are at Flamengo can never give up. We cannot let this opportunity to fight for the title pass us by. The motivation to fight is simply being at Flamengo."