History has proven, over the years, that doubting Flamengo is not a recommended attitude. And in 2009, many doubted. They doubted the team would escape the relegation zone. They escaped. They doubted they would reach the top four. They did. They doubted they would establish themselves in the top four. They did. They doubted they would take the lead in the Brasileirão. They did. They doubted they would become champions. They did. Now, with all their objectives accomplished and history made, the time has come to speak out and vent against those who questioned the capabilities of Brazil's Most Beloved.

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With 19 wins, ten draws, and only nine losses, Flamengo scored 67 points and became the six-time Brazilian soccer champion on Sunday night, December 6, 2009. It was an unforgettable day for the board, coaching staff, players, and fans of the Gávea club, who had waited 17 years for this moment. Ronaldo Angelim, scorer of the winning goal, took advantage of an interview on the Arena SporTV program to vent. According to him, the criticism throughout the competition bothered the group, which, united, did everything to prove its strength and achieved it in the best possible way.

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"When Andrade took over, we were in fourteenth place, going into the game at Vila Belmiro. If we lost, we would have been relegated, but we won. From then on, the team had a good run. We ended up losing a few games, we had problems with injured players, without Pet, with Maldonado and Alvaro, who hadn't arrived yet, but after everyone returned and was available, we managed to get there," said the number 4.

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Chilean Maldonado agrees. For him, coach Andrade's work was also crucial. He says the coach knew how to motivate the group, which had the quality to overcome difficulties and achieve this run that culminated in the sixth title.

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"Everyone said Flamengo would fight to avoid relegation. Little by little, we got it right. We went almost ten games without losing, which gave the team peace of mind. Whoever came in did the job, and so we started believing that we could really fight for something, and we did. We proved that, with the work of Andrade, who passed this responsibility to the team, to work and believe, it is possible to succeed," said midfielder Maldonado.

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The tactical changes made by the coach were another key factor in the title. Ronaldo Angelim believes that the change in the game plan, which previously featured three defenders and returned to a 4-4-2, was essential in helping the team find its best form. The defender also emphasized the importance of maintaining the core of the team that won the Copa do Brasil and the structural evolution the club has been undergoing.

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"Andrade changed the team's style of play, made it more offensive, and the team gained confidence, winning games, and this happened. We weren't even considered for the Libertadores, and we won. We worked with humility and achieved this feat for the club. I've been at Flamengo for four years, and the club has been improving significantly. They're taking care of the Training Center, a new weight room, and salaries are paid on time, and that's crucial. Since 2006, Flamengo has had a foundation, especially in the defensive system. That helps a lot. You don't build a team and become champions overnight," said Angelim.

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The defender's speech was endorsed by Maldonado once again. The player, who arrived at Gávea in August, assured that he is very happy at the club and praised Flamengo's structure and excellent football during the second half of the year.

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"Flamengo offers very good conditions for its players. Many people have talked about salaries, about structural issues... But the club has everything other clubs have. It may not be as modern as some other big clubs, but it makes the players feel good, with all the structure they need to perform well on a daily basis. Since I arrived, salaries have been fair. There's been a big improvement. We're on track, and that means that when you're looking for results, people appreciate our efforts to keep the group healthy, and that's what's happening at the club today," Maldonado concluded.