Anyone who thinks Flamengo's team and coaching staff are satisfied with just qualifying for the semifinal stage of the Guanabara Cup is mistaken. Quite the contrary. Flamengo coach Andrade is determined to see his team secure first place in their group. That's why the coach spoke with his players about the importance of a victory against Boavista on Sunday in Volta Redonda.

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Flamengo is coming off an unexpected result in the competition: a 3-3 draw with Olaria in the middle of the week at Maracanã Stadium. Therefore, the Flamengo manager believes that, in addition to the fight for first place in the group, the players have extra motivation for the match against the team from Saquarema.

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"The goal is to finish first in the group. I spoke to the players and explained how important this is, and I believe they'll be motivated for Sunday, especially since no one liked the game against Olaria," he said.

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Regarding the next stage, coach Andrade acknowledges that he prefers to play on Carnival Saturday rather than Ash Wednesday. However, the coach believes that Flamengo shouldn't think about choosing opponents in the next stage; after all, whether Vasco or Botafogo win, the red-and-blacks will face a tough challenge either way.

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"Playing on Saturday anticipates the Carnival atmosphere, and the team doesn't play in that spirit. Furthermore, there's more time to recover before the final, while on Wednesday there are only three days. But, those who want to be champions can't choose the date or opponent. The important thing is to prepare well to reach the final," he noted.

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Leonardo Moura agrees. The right-back believes the team needs a strong performance on Sunday against Boavista to boost morale for the final stage of the first round of the Campeonato Carioca.

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"This game is crucial, it will decide who will be first in the group and we want to win, because our goal is to reach the final in good shape," he concluded.