With three more points added in the Brazilian Championship after the 2-0 victory against Cruzeiro last Wednesday (08), Mais Querido resumed activities at Ninho do Urubu focusing on the next challenge in the competition, against Palmeiras. At the end of the activities, Lucas Paquetá appeared in the Victorino Chermont Press Room and commented on the sequence of the red-black season, focusing on the clash this Sunday (12).

"We always want to get the best result. The board and the squad think about that, but we don't always achieve it. We work every day to prepare even more and achieve positive results in the games. Palmeiras is a great team, it will be another very difficult game, but we will go after the three points," Paquetá predicted.

In yesterday's match, four of the Ninho Boys took the field, playing a decisive role in another victory. Opportunities for these young athletes have been frequent under Reinaldo Rueda, a fact celebrated by the number 39.

"First of all, I'm very happy to see all my teammates doing well. Vizeu, who's been with me for a long time, and he and I are always supporting Vini and Lincoln. We're trying to take advantage of opportunities so we can live up to what the coach asks of us. It's very gratifying to see them all happy, but the most important thing is that we're helping Flamengo," he emphasized.

Speaking of opportunities, at just 20 years old, Paquetá has made a great impression when he's received them. Whether as a center forward or in his original position, which is midfield, his attitude and quality have earned praise from the Colombian coach in most of his press conferences.

"Regardless of position, I always enjoy being on the field. Every time the coach gave me opportunities, I tried to make the most of them, and yesterday, playing in my position, I tried to do the same. I took advantage of the opportunity he gave me and helped Flamengo," said the youngster, who spoke about center forward Lincoln's presence on the bench for the first time. "We gave him a lot of confidence. Vizeu, Vini, and I, who, despite being young, have been with us for a long time, have instilled a lot of confidence in him. He's happy and responsible to contribute, which is what we strive to do," he commented.

When he reached the first team, still under coach Zé Ricardo, the midfielder made appearances in state championship matches and attracted attention. Players who had previously been promoted provided the necessary support to ensure his transition went smoothly, something Paquetá also seeks to do with Vinicius Jr. and Lincoln.

"These are different times, especially considering what I went through here compared to my development in the youth academy. Vini and Lincoln came from the national team, playing very well, and always beating the youth academy. I'm happy for them. Just like when I came up, with Ronaldo and Léo (Duarte) supporting me, we try to do the same. Always stay united for the good of the group," assured the number 39.