For Flamengo coach Zé Ricardo, there's only one formula for the team to regain victory and remain in contention for the Brazilian Championship title: hard work. After the 1-1 draw with Cruzeiro at Mineirão Stadium this Sunday, the coach held a press conference and analyzed the result.

"It was a fair result considering the game, but a bad one for us. Cruzeiro played a lower line. We tried to open up space. We had two or three balls that we could have finished better, but our game worked better in the first half, and we could have already had the advantage. In the second half, we scored, and they came forward. I think we played a good game, especially in the first half. In the second, we built a lot until we scored. After that, it was natural for Cruzeiro to attack," explained the red-and-black manager. 

Zé Ricardo also spoke about the pressure the team is under to become champions and is betting on hard work to see the team score more goals. 

"Entering a competition and becoming a champion is one thing. Entering a competition with the pressure of being a champion is another. We're working on our team's concentration to not only create space, but also to finish those opportunities. We had chances against Grêmio and today too. There's no magic formula. I only know hard work," said Zé Ricardo.

The coach believes in the team's growth for the next match, this Wednesday, against Palmeiras, at Ilha do Urubu.

"I hope we can produce more against Palmeiras, which is another team that's already in the mix. I think the first thing we need to do is build plays well, and that's what we're doing. I think Flamengo has a way of playing and creates from it. At least that's how I understand the team's formation," the coach added.