Vagner Love, Adriano, Petkovic, Leonardo Moura, Kleberson... Coach Andrade has several renowned players under his command at Flamengo. And the Flamengo coach believes this could make a difference not only in this Wednesday's game against Botafogo, but throughout the season. Considered one of the greatest players in the club's history, Andrade believes this team can be reminiscent of the team that made history in the 80s.

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Zico and Nunes were considered the players who decided matches back then, and the Flamengo coach draws a parallel between that duo and the Empire of Love, formed by Adriano and Vagner Love today. According to him, Flamengo's attacking duo won't disappoint the fans. For Andrade, his strikers know exactly what they need to do to help the team from Gávea secure a spot in another Taça Guanabara final.

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"They're unique players who can decide a match. Zico and Nunes, in my time, were also like that. They were always top scorers, they decided games, and they behaved the same way. They knew the responsibility they had and were always ready to make the decision. That's the case with Love and Adriano. They're special players who won't shy away from responsibility," he said.

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Coaching a group with so many quality players, however, is no easy task, according to Andrade. The red-and-black coach believes it's important to be cautious and calm when dealing with a squad packed with stars.

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"You need to be flexible, understand established players, and be calm enough to always have the group by your side. It's different from working with a group that seeks affirmation, which is sometimes even easier," he observed.

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Despite considering his team ready for Wednesday's challenge and knowing the high level of the squad he has under his command, Andrade warns: this doesn't win games. What helps a team achieve positive results is its performance on the field, and Império do Amor has also been achieving this, after all, the duo has already scored 11 goals (six from Love and five from Adriano).

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"We have some outstanding players, yes, but football is not won with a name or a shirt, but on the field and we have to give it our all to win," he concluded.

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Flamengo faces Botafogo this Wednesday at 22 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium. The red-and-black team has practically all its starting lineups. The only question is whether Petkovic will start or sit on the bench. The starting lineup consists of Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Álvaro, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Willians, Toró, Kleberson, and Vinícius Pacheco (Petkovic); Vagner Love and Adriano.