The decisive moment is approaching. This Wednesday (23), at Maracanã, Mais Querido will decide against Botafogo the place in the grand final of the Copa do Brasil. After today's activity, which concluded the red-black preparation for the match, coach Reinaldo Rueda appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room, at Ninho do Urubu, to give the press conference that precedes the classic.

In the final stages of recovery, center forward Paolo Guerrero has been speculated about a possible return to action for the Sacred Mantle in this match. Although the number 9 has been working out a bit more intensely in recent days, only physical tests on the day of the match will determine his exact condition. Rueda provided an overview of the star's situation.

"Guerrero did some training yesterday with the physiotherapist and the fitness coach, and he responded very well. Today he also had more intense training, but the medical department hasn't decided. Tomorrow we'll make a final assessment to see if we can count on him for the match," said the coach. "It's important not to force him. He's very motivated. We need to assess how long he could be on the field depending on the game. Whether he'll start or how many minutes he can play. We'll consider that. However, it's difficult to say how long he'll last. It's going to be an intense game, and that will be crucial," he added.

Tomorrow's match will be only the Colombian coach's third game in charge of the team. Despite the limited time he's been working and with a crucial match ahead, Rueda was pleased with what he saw from the players in the two training sessions leading up to the match.

"It's tough. We're against the clock. Some players had to play against Atlético-GO and will be needed tomorrow. Yesterday we did a mixed workout, not everyone participated. We didn't have a very intense week, but thank God with a good response from the group, good work and mental disposition. But we didn't do exactly what we wanted for a moment like this in the Copa do Brasil," he commented.

The club's manager also provided an overview of other players who have experienced physical problems in recent matches. "In the case of Berrío, Vizeu and Éverton, who didn't play in the previous match, are all doing well. They recovered by doing good work. Everything will also depend on the mental aspect. They received very specific stimulation," said the coach, who then spoke about Wednesday's opponent. "They are a very mature opponent, in good shape. They are very obedient tactically. They know how to play and wait to counterattack. We will have to play well, as they can present both options," he concluded.