In training this Wednesday (18) at Ninho do Urubu, Mais Querido concluded its preparation for the match against Bahia, in the 29th round of the Brazilian Championship. After finishing the activities on the field, Reinaldo Rueda spoke to journalists in the Victorino Chermont Press Room, where he commented on the influence of the result achieved in the last match for the continuation of the national competition.

"I think it should be a calming moment, so to speak. We've added three more points, but we know we need to improve. The most important thing is to have the conditions to do the work we're doing. These three points will alleviate what we're going through, but they'll just be the starting point for the final stretch of the Brasileirão," he projected.

The match against Chapecoense demonstrated an improvement in the team's performance compared to recent encounters, creating numerous opportunities and demonstrating great defensive solidity. As an area for improvement, the coach highlights the need to increase the number of shots on goal. Rueda points to increased confidence and greater composure as key factors in achieving this goal.

"We're coming off a clean sheet. Now we've found some balance, but we need to be more efficient to score goals. Saturday, in Chapecó, we completed a transition from a difficult period. Everything will depend on gaining confidence, finishing calmly, and finding the final pass to finish off the game situations that arise," said the coach.

The closest opportunity to put the red-and-black manager's requests into practice will be this Thursday at Ilha do Urubu. Against Bahia, the "Mais Querido" will face a team on the rise in the championship. Rueda analyzed the opponent's growth.

"This is a team that has been playing very well in recent rounds. Well-structured, with a sharp and accurate counterattack. It will be a very difficult match for us," the coach noted, outlining the objective for the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. "We need to win all ten. That's the goal we set ourselves. We know it will be very difficult, but this is our commitment in the final stretch for this Flamengo team that needs to secure its international participation," he added.

During the conversation with reporters, the coach commented on the team's preparation for this important match. Among other topics, Rueda also discussed the team's mental preparation for the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Sudamericana, clearly defining the priorities ahead of each competition's matches, and discussing the intensity of football in the country.