With three more points in the Brazilian Championship after a 2-0 victory over Atlético-PR last Sunday, attention turned to the Primeira Liga Cup as the red-and-black squad returned to training at Ninho do Urubu. After finishing training on the field, midfielder Rômulo attended a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room.

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The positive results in recent matches, such as qualifying for the Copa do Brasil final by eliminating Botafogo and two consecutive Brazilian Championship victories with strong performances by the team coached by Reinaldo Rueda, were praised by the athlete. The midfielder emphasized the group's increased confidence for the rest of the season.

"At the beginning of the year, we were heavily criticized for having a qualified squad and exiting the Libertadores so early. We've tried to stay focused, and this September we have crucial matches in which we'll need our squad. With these results, we're more confident on the field. Consequently, this will help the team," he said.

Rômulo has been getting chances from the new Flamengo manager, coming on as a substitute in recent matches. These minutes present a new opportunity for the number 27, who had physical problems at the beginning of the year, hindering his readaptation to Brazilian football.

"I was doing well, I started playing, but at the beginning of the year I had an injury problem. The team came together, but I didn't give up. I tried to work harder and harder so that when the opportunity arose, I could contribute. We can't choose where the coach will put us, but rather where he needs us, whether it's at center-back, full-back, or midfielder. I want to be playing," he commented. "We work here every day to play. But above all, I respect my teammates and always do my best on the field so that when the coach needs me, I can give my best," he added.

Other players in the group who haven't been playing in matches can also take advantage of the team's growth and the opportunities that may arise under the Colombian coach, according to the midfielder. "It's important for all the players who aren't playing frequently to demonstrate their work on a daily basis, so they can put a doubt in Rueda's mind and make him choose us too," he concluded.

Before the trip to Espírito Santo this Tuesday (29), the squad will finalize its preparations for the clash against Paraná for the Copa da Primeira Liga in a training session closed to the press at Ninho do Urubu. The match, valid for the quarterfinals of the competition, will be played on Wednesday (30), at the Kleber Andrade stadium, in Cariacica, with the ball rolling from 21:45 pm.