The big decision is approaching and preparations continue strong at Ninho do Urubu. On Monday afternoon (04), after tactical training led by coach Reinaldo Rueda, Réver was present at the Victorino Chermont Press Room to give a press conference. An old acquaintance of the red-black captain, this Thursday's opponent (07) inspires caution.

In the grand final, the qualified goal rule will not apply, which creates a relative advantage for the team that scores away from home. "At this point, it would have an effect. It helps those who are trying to define themselves in the first leg, trying to push forward, since the obligation always falls to the home team. But we also need to focus on defense, thinking about being a balanced team like we are. I hope we can put in a great performance," said the defender, who spoke about the match against the Minas Gerais team in the Brazilian Championship. "In the first round, we faced a different team, with some injured players who couldn't play. Our team also changed its approach a bit," he added.

For the first match at Maracanã, Flamengo will be without center forward Paolo Guerrero, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, while Felipe Vizeu remains undergoing treatment for a knee strain sustained during the Primeira Liga Cup match against Paraná. Regarding the possibility of the Mais Querido playing without a player in the attack, the captain expressed confidence in the group.

"I don't think much should change tactically. Rueda must be thinking about the best attacking option, since we'll be without these great players. Paolo has helped us a lot with his quality, and Vizeu has also contributed. He ends up making a bit of a difference, but we know whoever comes in will give their best," he commented.

In his debut wearing the Sacred Mantle, Réver scored the winning goal against Cruzeiro, at the Mineirão stadium. "It was very good. One win, one goal. I arrived at a time of instability for the team, but we had a good run of good results, and I'm still here today. I'm very happy and hope to repay Flamengo's trust with titles," he recalled. This time, the match will be for the Copa do Brasil title. "We're close to winning a major title, and if it happens, I'll be very honored," he concluded.

It's always very difficult for foreign coaches to adapt to Brazilian football. We've been following along and see the challenges they face. Rueda arrived at a difficult time and managed to get the results we wanted. Now we'll face a very intelligent opponent. It has everything it takes to be a great show. We hope these two great games can be a success and that we achieve our goal, which is the title.

We take it one moment at a time, game by game. The most important thing today is Thursday's game. As soon as that game is over, we'll focus on the derby. Cruzeiro comes first, and then we'll see what we can do this weekend to face Botafogo.

This is football. We preach peace all the time, and we only see tragedies and violence off the field. On the field, there has to be a sudden, stronger arrival, and it happens eventually, but this campaign has my support. My family enjoys watching the games. I hope it doesn't just remain a campaign and that fans can buy into this idea.

We know how difficult it is to arrive in a country where you have to adapt; it can be a bit complicated. Having athletes or someone on the coaching staff from your country helps a lot. The group tried to make this easier for Cuéllar to adapt to Brazil when he arrived. We joked with him that he's more Brazilian than many here. With Berrío's arrival, this helped even more. He arrived a bit withdrawn, but now he's more relaxed and playing good football on the field too.

It's tough, but we have support here that helps a lot so we can perform at such high numbers. I'm happy. Of course, when I'm not performing well, I have to be rested. You can't play at just 50% of your ability. Football is more intense these days.