Despite the calm demeanor he displayed throughout the week, the Flamengo coach couldn't hide his dissatisfaction with the choice of Luís Antônio Silva Santos to referee tomorrow's match, as well as his permission to remain on the field on the condition that he give talks to referees.

"I thought the referee choice was a mistake. We've had great refereeing performances in the championship, and then they choose one who had problems in one of our games? It's inconsistent, but hopefully he'll be very good tomorrow and not be very noticeable, because that would be a sign that the refereeing is good. We don't want help from anyone, we just want impartiality," Cuca reflected.

Regarding the court's decision to require him to give lectures to referees as a way to reduce his 30-day punishment, the coach was emphatic.

"I don't know how to give lectures to anyone. I don't think I have anything to teach the referees, and they have nothing to learn from me. If that's the case, I'll continue managing the team from up there. It's the kind of decision I can't accept."

Cuca still hasn't confirmed the team that will take the field tomorrow. He believes that the suspension granted to two Botafogo players will make the derby even more competitive, although he also disagreed with the court's decision.

- With Flamengo and Botafogo at full strength, the derby will be even better. What's upsetting is the inconsistency of the court, which denied Flamengo's request and, less than a day after punishing Botafogo's players, allowed them to play. That was yet another inconsistency.