On Flamengo's 112th birthday, coach Joel Santana expressed excitement at the prospect of giving the fans a gift in a few days. After taking over the team during a turbulent time, with the team battling relegation, the coach acknowledged that securing a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores would represent a magical end to the year for the red-and-blacks. "No matter how experienced we are, the end of the year messes with everyone's mind. When I was a kid, I never imagined I'd work at Flamengo and be as warmly welcomed as I have been on my time here. God willing, we'll end the year on a high note." Flamengo deserves another anniversary, and we'll continue fighting to ensure that this gift arrives at the end of the Brazilian Championship, with our qualification for the Libertadores," Joel stated. When asked if he truly deserves a statue at the club in his honor for his services, Joel became emotional as he spoke of his connection to Flamengo, the club he first worked for in 1996, winning the state title undefeated. "The greatest honor is being in the fans' minds. The recognition of my work, the gratitude of the people—all of this motivates and moves me. It's gratifying to work for a club of this magnitude, and that's why we're working so hard to reach the Libertadores, as a way of giving back what our fans have done for the team this year."