While Flamengo was conceding a lot of goals at the beginning of the season, it's safe to say the defense improved upon the team's return to the Brasileirão after the World Cup. However, the attack became a cause for concern at Gávea. And coach Rogério Lourenço makes no secret of his quest for the best balance for the team to perform well both offensively and defensively.

"Flamengo's attacking average is very low, and we're trying to find a solution somehow. Just as the team scored goals with Love and Adriano, it also conceded a lot of goals. We've managed to improve the defense a lot, but the attacking system hasn't been working. This solution has to be found, and we'll keep working towards it," he said.

One of the coach's bets is center forward Val Baiano, who despite having played against Corinthians on Sunday (08.08), also played in the training match this Tuesday (10.08), in Gávea, and scored, from a penalty, one of the goals in the red-blacks' 2-1 victory over Bangu.

"Val had a long training period and now he needs a game so he can move around and get back into the swing of things. He was feeling good and we thought it best for him to participate in this activity within a limit that wouldn't force him," explained the coach, who knows the pressure he will face in Saturday's match at the Maracanã against Ceará.

"I think every game is very high-pressure, important, and decisive. I try to approach everything the same way. I won't change my way of working or the way I approach things. Obviously, the responsibility is always great here at Flamengo. We need to have the attitude to be able to change and win," he concluded.

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