During the squad's return, training resumed at Ninho do Urubu, focusing on the Mais Querido's upcoming challenges this season. After training to begin preparations for the match against Ponte Preta, coach Reinaldo Rueda held a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room, where he discussed Flamengo's progress in the two competitions.

"Today we had a meeting with all the players, directors, and coaching staff to let us know that we have to keep moving forward. We want more, and we know we have two major challenges ahead: the Brasileirão and the Copa Sudamericana. It's our job to improve day by day. We have a good mix of young and experienced players who know this is how football is played. Our commitment is to always win on the field, and we'll work to achieve that," he said.

The "winning mystique" that has been instilled in the squad was also the focus of questions from the journalists present. The coach emphasized the importance of competitiveness in every match. "It will always be our job to enforce this mystique, this mentality. Every game is very important to us. There isn't much difference," said Rueda.

During the interview, the club's manager explained the decision to keep Vinicius Jr. with the squad during the U-17 World Cup. "It was a situation discussed with the board, the committee, and Vinicius. We want the best for him; he's a conscientious, intelligent player, and important to the national team. But he didn't participate in the weeks of preparation. He knows he can come in and help, but he also wants to respect that. He knows the national team has good players and will stay with us. We hope the team succeeds in the World Cup," he commented.

Regarding the individual criticism the red-and-black players have been receiving in recent weeks, especially after last Wednesday's final, Rueda was emphatic. In penalty shootouts, what happens during regulation time is often overlooked in post-match analysis, and that was precisely the point of the coach's speech. 

"It's worrying for the future of football in the country and for the future of Brazilian journalists for the 2018 World Cup, because the ability to analyze is focused only on one situation, which, incidentally, is outside the 90 minutes. You, as Brazilian journalists, will be alongside Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, and the other qualifiers from South America, Africa, and Asia. The ability to analyze should be about the game, tactics. It seems to me to be an unnecessary strain. Does this benefit Brazilian football? We are all a family and live for football. Coaches, journalists, referees. We have to respect each other. We can't reduce 90 minutes of football to two situations: Diego and Muralha. It's very sad," he lamented.