In the press room at Ilha do Urubu, after the Mais Querido's emphatic 3-0 victory over Corinthians, Flamengo manager Reinaldo Rueda held a press conference. With some changes compared to the team that took the field in the last round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo achieved an important result in the match preceding the first clash against Júnior Barranquilla, a semifinal of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana.

"For us, the Brasileirão is super important. It's one of the goals we wanted, but it's a very difficult tournament. We have many limitations, but we're trying to get a better position in the table. Today's result strengthens the team so that the fans can support us this Thursday. We need them to exercise our home advantage and get a good result," commented Rueda.

The stellar performance in the first half, which resulted in the consolidated score, received praise from the coach. In a difficult time, with a string of negative results in the national competition, great character was shown by everyone involved in the grand triumph.

"Without a doubt, it was a very difficult time. We've had a lot of negative results in recent matches. But I think the team is very committed. Congratulations to all of them for their character and courage during this difficult time. The God of Football rewards good men, and they are a group that works with great commitment. They demonstrated this team unity on the field. The two goals came early and gave the team confidence," he said.

Returning to the starting eleven, Mancuello made an immediate impact. Rueda, who scored the stunning goal that paved the way for victory, emphasized the Argentine's importance to Flamengo. In addition to finding the net, the number 11 put in an impressive performance at Ilha do Urubu, both with his offensive contributions and defensive support.

"I think Mancuello, we know, is a very important player due to his technical quality and game intelligence. We have the same situation as Éverton and Vinicius, who are doing a good job. Mancuello has maintained his professionalism, even playing as a defensive midfielder and left-back in training. I spoke to him about this professionalism and dedication, and that he would be given a chance. Today he received the opportunity and was rewarded with a great performance and the goal," he praised.

The fans are explosive and passionate. They want to celebrate, and the team that takes the field has to secure that victory. Today, good football was accompanied by a good result. It was incredibly important psychologically and sociologically, for us and for the fans.

I think it's a product of this tension. In the heat of the moment, with all the adrenaline, and with the players' responsibility in all these situations. There was a special situation. Trauco arrived from Peru and came to work. It was a small misunderstanding. Rhodolfo is a man with leadership and made this complaint to Vizeu. His reaction was normal for a young man with temperament and character. At halftime, they reached an understanding and apologized. It's normal in a squad under this kind of pressure, but one that has friendship and camaraderie.

We know Diego's playing intelligence and technical quality. He's a crucial leader for our squad. He's working very well, with great commitment. He's an important man. He wants this position. For his children, for his family, for the trajectory he's had. It would be important for him and for Flamengo.

We have a crucial game on Thursday, and Everton Ribeiro needed some rest. We needed to keep him in the game to be at his best for this match.

Not just today, but because of the entire situation we're living in. We played very well against Cruzeiro, then had a poor performance against Palmeiras, and we could have achieved a better result against Coritiba. We have a commitment to ourselves, to Flamengo, and to the fans. Knowing this, we can get the best out of the team.

That's our aspiration. To accumulate the most points in the remaining rounds, knowing that we're in an uncomfortable situation, one that isn't deserved given the work we've done.

I don't think we should worry. The situation is clear. In football, it's normal, in training, for a young man like Vizeu to receive pressure from a big name like Rhodolfo. The players are calm, but it's important to maintain this temperament and determination, whether with themselves or with opponents, but always with fairness. It's the right thing to do on the field.

For us, the Brasileirão is incredibly important. It's one of our goals, but it's a very difficult tournament. We're facing many limitations, but we're striving for a better position in the standings. Today's result strengthens the team so that the fans can support us this Thursday. We need them to exercise our home advantage and achieve a good result.