Excessive caution is often misinterpreted, but everyone here knows me. I'll never mention names beforehand. I do talk about positions—which also doesn't mean these signings will happen in 24 hours. You can't talk hypothetically. You can't create expectations for fans only to have them dashed tomorrow or the day after. This is my responsibility: to tell the truth. Making assumptions about players who aren't at Gávea only fuels the minds of fans and the pages of websites and newspapers. I prefer not to comment on athletes who aren't here.

If we can bring in another defensive midfielder and another defensive midfielder, we will do so; but we shouldn't rush, as we can't afford to make mistakes. It's clear that Flamengo makes and completes negotiations that fit the club's financial situation. I can tell you that Flamengo always pushes its limits, but there are times when it's impossible to go beyond them, and then we'll look for other options. We're still looking for two players, and this is the ideal scenario. Each negotiation has its own complexities. The work has already begun and will continue throughout January. We'll monitor the market and, within the budget, if possible, sign a player. That's our goal.

South American Market
There are options in the South American market. In Brazil, clubs make it difficult to negotiate for good players. So we keep an eye on teams in neighboring countries that have good players, even though our economic situation in Brazil is less than favorable.

We can't forget that our squad was somewhat depreciated during the Brasileirão due to our mistakes. But I'm certain that our current players would certainly be part of any Brazilian soccer team today. I hope that in 2016 this squad can achieve the results it failed to achieve in 2015. 

In addition to Juan, who has already arrived, extremely identified with the club and with a great time at Internacional; and Antonio Carlos, a young man with an excellent championship with Avaí.

New faces in the player group

We have to celebrate when, in a difficult market, at a difficult time for the country's economy, Flamengo makes good signings. A right-back who stood out in the last Brasileirão; the return of a defender with a storied history within the club; another high-caliber goalkeeper, a standout in the Brazilian championship; Willian Arão, who stood out in Série B... A series of reinforcements to try to improve the squad. Not to mention that this year our goal is to give more space to the youth teams and will have a good number of young players joining the first team.

It's an institutional matter. In January, we'll prepare the squad with a slightly larger number of players. With the return of the youngsters from the São Paulo Cup and the arrival of one or two reinforcements, we aim to have a maximum of 37 players, including the goalkeepers. And, within this group, we'll divide, if necessary, between the Primeira Liga, which starts on January 27.01th, and the Carioca, which starts on the 31st. It was a board decision to play with a so-called alternative team. But it's the same group: all trained by Muricy, doing preseason. Who will play what will be decided later.

Márcio Araújo extended his contract with Flamengo for another year, as was the case with Emerson and Alan Patrick, the latter on loan.

Kayke is heading to preseason training. Two days ago, he contacted us and, while doing some physical activity, felt discomfort in his knee. After an MRI, he revealed a minor meniscus tear. He'll undergo arthroscopy, join the group on Sunday, and will be back in action on Monday. Since this is a minor injury, we estimate it will take about two to three weeks for him to return to group training and games. 

We're investing not only in hiring but also in technology. The club is spending money to improve its infrastructure, equipment, and training center. This improvement will certainly impact athlete recovery and prevention. We hope the number of injuries will decrease this year. Based on the equipment it has already acquired, Flamengo, according to our experts, is second to none in terms of any major club. 

I had a great impression of Muricy. He's very engaged and very realistic about the state of Brazilian football. We participated in several team planning meetings. He approved all the reinforcements. He gives the impression that he's satisfied with how everything is going, with what Flamengo is willing to improve, with greater investment in infrastructure, technology... Everything aligns with what he wants. I think he'll bring a lot of good things to us this year.