At the end of the training session that concluded the red-and-black team's preparation for the Copa do Brasil grand final, coach Reinaldo Rueda appeared in the Mineirão stadium press room, where he gave a press conference. Striker Éverton's physical condition still raises doubts about his availability for this crucial match.

The number 22 participated in the activities this Tuesday (26) and will be monitored until the time of the decision to be sure how long he will last if he takes the field against Cruzeiro. Rueda provided an overview of the aspects in which this decision will be made.

"Fortunately, Éverton worked normally today. It was his first training session with the ball on the field, without any problems. We'll wait and see how he assimilates this stimulus from the second half of training. Tomorrow we'll make a decision on whether he'll start the match or whether he'll be an alternate. It will depend on how he's feeling, whether he's psychologically secure, and whether he doesn't feel any pain," commented the coach.

One of Flamengo's biggest names this season, the striker demonstrated game after game his fundamental role in the team's strong performance throughout the season. Whether scoring goals or setting up his teammates, Éverton's effectiveness and leadership on the pitch are characteristics that please the Colombian coach, who spoke highly of the left winger's qualities.

"He's an important player in both phases of the game, both offensively and defensively. He's very generous with his efforts. Intelligent and has the power to turn a match around. I hope he's okay. If he can't play the whole game, I hope he at least gets minutes so his talent can contribute to the team," he praised.

Responsible for protecting the Mais Querido's goalposts during the match, Alex Muralha has been receiving affection from fans in the run-up to the final. However, the support isn't limited to the Nation. His teammates also convey confidence and encouragement daily, an attitude that would be no different in another crucial match in the Rubro-Negro's 2017 campaign.

"I think Muralha is an experienced goalkeeper. Like all goalkeepers in the world, he's had good and bad games, but I trust his ability and his work. He's strengthened by the entire team and motivated. There won't be any disadvantages due to the demands of facing a major rival like Cruzeiro in this final," the Colombian emphasized.

Following his conversation with reporters, Rueda previewed the grand final against Cruzeiro, drawing on his extensive experience in decision-making. Among other things, the coach also downplayed any influence from the opposing fans at Mineirão Stadium, emphasizing the players' calls for concentration on what will happen on the field.

We usually do this training individually, especially when a young player has the opportunity to start. With Paquetá, it was rewarding. I'm very happy with Lucas's performance, his character, his style of play, and his technical quality. He's an alternative, as Lucas can play as a midfielder or center forward. He adapts very well to situations. He's also very generous on the field. He's always well-surrounded by Réver, Paolo, Diego, and Juan, who always give him confidence. If he has to play, he'll be positive.

These games are very close, very intense. The rivals have created beautiful paths and arrived here with enough merit. You have to be smart and make the right choices. Decisions require intensity, a strong mind, and a strong body to withstand the pressure and know how to be champions. The difference will come from the team knowing how to better seize its opportunities.

There has always been a lot of affection and respect for the Colombians' history at the stadium. It meant a lot to us during the World Cup. I believe they are important memories, both for world football and for Brazilian football. We hope for Flamengo as well.

Every team takes into account the players who play in key positions. It's a credit to the clubs and teams that they've achieved this. They've faced some very difficult matches to reach this position. As a coach, I always focus on the collective aspect. Cruzeiro has a great history, is experiencing a great moment, has a great coach, and is doing a great job.

Every situation is different, every team is different. As a coaching staff, we're working to build a strong group with a winning spirit. We're on this path, we're building this mentality. That's what marks the world's great teams: always thinking about winning.

This atmosphere can be assimilated for the better, through the celebration of football, a packed and vibrant stadium. It happens both for and against us. As visitors, we have to focus all our attention on the field, where it's 11 against 11. We have to leave the celebration in the stands aside. We need to have total concentration on the match and use these factors to our advantage.

All big teams go through this situation. This is a team with great technical quality, a wealth of experience, and a long history. We need to maintain this competitive attitude and avoid overconfidence, focusing on each game. The team is improving, especially in these more important matches. Against Botafogo and Cruzeiro, Flamengo showed this grit. We know how to compete at high intensity.

We must understand that this is a path, and I'm continuing the work of Professor Zé Ricardo, who is largely responsible for where we are now. I hope the fans can celebrate this title. As a foreigner, I'm very grateful to God for being at Flamengo and in a situation like this. It's a great joy. We depend on the conditions, the projects, and we work hard for this. It would be a great satisfaction for the fans and for us, as foreigners, to achieve this with Flamengo.

It's a Brazilian cultural thing. Everyone lives with great intensity, with great passion. In Rio de Janeiro, it's no different, with the passion of Flamengo fans. I avoid being out and about too much, but there's always the demand to always win, the preference for the players, but that's normal. We're on a big team, with a big fan base like Nacional, and it's an honor. At Flamengo, the way we experience situations like this is multiplied threefold.