Rodrigo Caio praises the team's defenders and says he's impressed with the fans.
The defender spoke with journalists in a press conference held at the training center.
By John Peter Granette - in
Preparations for the long 2019 season continue at the training center, and positive results are already being seen in the first challenges of the year. Defender Rodrigo Caio gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, spoke about the planning, and also took the opportunity to praise his teammates in his position.
"We are under construction. Many players have arrived. The attack, in particular, has changed a lot, which is natural; there's a period of integration and adaptation. This is very visible. I believe that growth will happen during the games. We have great defenders: Rhodolfo is national team level, Léo (Duarte) is a great kid, he will grow more and more, and I came to help them."
The number 3 player also highlighted the improvement of the defensive system throughout January.
“It was an evolution for us since training. We talked to each other, gave each other a lot of guidance. Set pieces are very much a matter of attention. By talking to your teammates, you end up preventing many balls that the opponent could win. I hope that as the games go on, we can prevent goals. But you can't dwell on it, the most important thing is to win the games.”
In the last match, Rodrigo Caio scored his first goal wearing the Sacred Mantle (Flamengo's jersey) and is already thinking about the next ones.
"Very happy with the goal and the victory. The team managed to play a good game, dictating the pace for the entire 90 minutes. We had better opportunities. The victory gives us even more confidence and helps us grow as a team. We always think about the collective, the good of the team. It's important to score the first goal; I kept hitting the post. At times it went close, the goalkeeper saved it... I hope it's the first of many with the Flamengo shirt."
Finally, the defender highlighted the impact the fans have when they fill the Maracanã stands to support Flamengo.
"It's not something we're used to seeing in Brazil. We just have to congratulate our fans. As we always say, the Nation ignites the atmosphere on the field, it helps a lot. I had a huge surprise in the debut, more than 40 people shouting and supporting from beginning to end in a championship debut, which is not common in Brazil. It shows that they are on our side, and I hope to give them support on the field. I hope to win and bring them joy, as they are bringing us."