With preparations for the first Fla-Flu match in the Conmebol South American Championship concluded, coach Reinaldo Rueda appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room, at Ninho do Urubu, to give a press conference. During the conversation with journalists, Rueda confirmed that Vinicius Jr. is on the list of players involved in the classic, projecting a participation of the Boy from Ninho during the match this Wednesday (25).

"Vinicius completed his transition phase and participated in team training, but it's difficult to start. Training is different from a high-level match against Fluminense. He may get a few minutes. He's in the squad for the match," confirmed the Colombian coach.

The downside, however, is Paolo Guerrero. The Peruvian was released by Rueda and will not participate in the match that will decide who will qualify for the semifinals of the international competition. Guerrero left training last Monday with pain in the hamstring of his right thigh, which was also the reason for his substitution in the match against Bahia at Ilha do Urubu.

"Paolo, in the game against Bahia, came off in the second half with pain in his hamstring and is in the rehabilitation process. Yesterday he tried to train and had minor pain. He's with the medical department and we'll see how he progresses," said Rueda, who analyzed the possibility of the center forward participating in the Fla-Flu match. "I think it will be very difficult. We will try to prevent the injury from getting any worse," he added.

The good form of his compatriot Gustavo Cuéllar was another topic discussed during the interview. Rueda heaped praise on the midfielder, commenting on his performance on the field and drawing parallels with the development of other athletes who have shown an improvement in performance since 'El Catedrático' arrived at the Mais Querido. 

"The evolution of all the players was the same. Commitment, taking advantage of their qualities. I think he's a very intelligent player, with a lot of drive and character. His participation was very important. It's very positive how much he's grown. I spoke to him and he can still give more. In his best moment at Atletico Junior Barranquilla, he played at an even higher level, but we can see that he's improving a lot," he praised.

Carrying the decisive aspect of a knockout stage in an international competition, the match against Fluminense has all the makings of a historic duel. In the six meetings between the teams this season, the Mais Querido have won two and drawn four, figures that highlight the closeness of the derby. Expecting a packed Maracanã, Rueda spoke about what to expect from this Fla-Flu match.

"I think they're a rival with a very good structure and guidance. It's a two-way relationship. We know them, and they know us. There's no mystery. They understand the players' characteristics, their playing style, their strengths and weaknesses. Everything will depend on intelligent play and great dedication," he analyzed.

The basic premise is to always stabilize the team position by position, with a game-by-game approach. We'll be the 'visitors' and will always look for alternatives. Geuvânio played 45 minutes against São Paulo and didn't have a chance to recover properly. He's a crucial player, but he hadn't been playing well in a string of games.

It's our main goal. We need to win; it's a very important World Cup. It's very difficult, but we're on our way. We have to take it game by game, working towards that goal. It would be very positive and encouraging for our morale. We're working to get there.

It's usually closed the day before games. It's a universal protocol, but out of respect, we allow the press to participate for the final 20 minutes. Internationally, the press conference is even held at a different time. Due to team concentration, set pieces, and player concentration. Many factors are part of international protocol.

Every day we say the same thing: the next game is the most important. There are no easy games in Brazil, especially for Flamengo. Every match is intense and very difficult. They're all high-level games.

We all know Paquetá's temperament and character. If he complained at all, it was about the company he needed to win the ball back. It's normal given his youth, his drive, and the moment he's experiencing on the team. It's a good message to know that Flamengo has found a player with these characteristics. We need to guide him, but Lucas's character and good attitude are very positive.

Every game is different. It's difficult to say. I think the assessment we made after this game is that we need to change our approach and be more proactive. We made important adjustments because Cuéllar, Guerrero, and Trauco, who were playing for their national teams, were missing. We had an acceptable first half, then improved and sought a result. We finished the second half better. It's important to be proactive from the beginning to improve our performance.