After training held on Tuesday (12) at the George Helal Training Center, Rafael Vaz gave a press conference in the press room. The defender celebrated the result achieved last Sunday (10), against Atlético-MG, and commented on the next red-black commitment, the classic against Botafogo.

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It was a game that affirmed us. Flamengo is assembling a very strong group, and we're on the right track. Everyone is showing they want to earn their place and are focused on doing a great job. I feel we're on the right track.

The coach gives us a lot of confidence. Regardless of who plays, we have to do our best. I know there are other quality players, but I'll try to remain a starter for Flamengo. I'll do everything I can to maintain that. A lot of hard work and effort. Flamengo is the one who wins with so much quality.

I know I came here with a great responsibility, considering where I came from, but I accepted this challenge because I felt prepared to face it. The first day I arrived here, that page was already turned. Today, I truly feel like a Flamengo player. Now I'll focus on making a great history here.

A classic is a classic. Each team's position in the standings doesn't matter much in games like this. I'm sure it will be a great match. Whoever is better prepared and has a higher level of concentration will have a better chance of achieving a positive result. I hope we can come away with the victory.

I've heard some of my stats, but we can't just consider that. What really matters is the collective result. I still have a lot to improve, so I'll work to keep improving and earn my place in the starting lineup. The arrival of so many quality reinforcements motivates me even more. The coach has already said that it depends on our performances, and I'll give it my all.

I think it's not just due to the strong squad, but also to the results, which have started to show. Teams are respecting this Flamengo team more. It's no use having a good squad and not achieving victories. The coach is helping us a lot, but we're aware that we still have a lot to improve in our game. We'll continue working hard.