This Friday marked the return of the red-and-black squad to Ninho do Urubu. It was the resumption of training at the training center after qualifying for the Copa do Brasil grand final with a 1-0 victory in the derby against Botafogo. After the training session, Rodinei gave a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room.

With the key to the Brazilian Championship now in the bag, the right-back spoke about their next opponent in the national competition, Atlético-PR. "We've faced them in the Libertadores and the Brasileirão. We know it's very difficult to play in Curitiba, in their stadium, but now we'll be playing at home," said the number 2. "They have very fast players from midfield forward. We need to study and research. In training, I try to watch videos of the left-back I'll be facing. We'll see what the coach has to teach us," he added.

Accustomed to playing an attacking role, Rodinei discussed the instructions Rueda has given him since the Colombian coach arrived at the Mais Querido. Defensive play has become a priority for the wingers, reducing the number of attacking runs and providing greater stability.

The full-back spoke about the change. "For me, it's easy. To be at Flamengo, a player must be willing to do anything. When I have to hold the ball more, I need the quality to do so, just as I do to attack," he said. "Rueda arrived with this defensive system since he took over against Botafogo. He asked us to hold the ball back, to give more value to the marking. Up front, I'm sure whoever's there will respond and we'll come away with victories," he praised.

Rodinei also commented on the rest of the season for Flamengo. "When it comes to playing for Flamengo, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil, the thought is always to be at the forefront of our minds. I know the gap to Corinthians is huge, but we managed to qualify for the Copa do Brasil final, and we need to beat Atlético-PR to reach the top six and achieve a good goal at the end," he predicted.

On the field, while the athletes who started the match against Botafogo carried out regenerative training, the rest of the group took part in technical and tactical activities on Field 5 of Ninho do Urubu. Closely instructed by Reinaldo Rueda, the training began preparations for the match against Atlético-PR, which will be played this Sunday (27), on Ilha do Urubu, with the ball rolling from 16 pm.

I'm not old enough to be spared; I enjoy playing. I'm physically fit and available to the coach, but the decision is our coach's, and we must always respect that.

As you all know, I'm one of the most playful guys here. Today I was telling him that it was a really nice dribble. The banter is very healthy. We said, 'What's up, Colombian? That's great!' Thank God he pulled off that dribble and we managed to qualify.

Regarding his chances of being selected, it's with Rueda. I'm good friends with him; we joke around every day. He's a role model for me; I've been following him for a long time. We're a close group of friends, there's not much vanity. I'm sure he's happy, regardless of whether he's on the field. Whether you're selected or not, you're always rooting for each other.

I'm taking classes with Cuéllar at the concentration camp, he's been helping me a lot to understand everything that's being taught.

It's amazing. I scored in the Carioca final, that goal I scored in the Libertadores. People started saying I was a talisman. For the player, it's very rewarding.