In yet another of the many decisive games Flamengo has faced in recent days, victory came. After opening the scoring with Rodinei, the Red-Black team conceded an equalizer, but recovered and secured the result with Peruvians Guerrero and Trauco. After the match, coach Zé Ricardo commented on the tactical scheme, which relied on the versatility of the full-backs and the movement of Guerrero. The Peruvian also spoke to the press and praised the confidence of his fans and teammates.


Check the interview in full:

Without a doubt, this is a very important step for us. Unfortunately, we didn't qualify today, but we were happy with the group's performance. It was a very difficult match, as our team has been playing many decisive matches. Católica has four very dangerous players up front. Coming out with a victory was crucial; it was a great way for our group to overcome the draw. We still have a very difficult match in Argentina. We'll prepare well on the 17th to try to secure qualification for the second phase.

I'm happy because the athletes deserve it; they've been training. Just when I think my admiration has reached its limit, they deserve more. Our medical department is to be congratulated on the athletes' recovery. The victory is very special. Our wonderful fans embraced the team after we conceded the draw. A victory today with the red-and-black spirit.

I actually tried to find out how the game was going, but I didn't tell the players. If they knew, it wasn't because of me. We tried to win in the middle (with substitutions). I think we were too anxious in the first half, with a lot of back-and-forth. This left us with no control over the game. We adjusted to stop the ball more in attack and move faster on defense. Mancuello started the game a little off-pace, took a knock to his knee, and it swelled up a bit in the locker room. So we brought Gabriel into midfield and Rodinei came in on the right.

If we look closely, we're in month five. Excluding the holidays, we're four months into the season. We still have a lot of room to grow. We gain confidence as the games go by. If we've gotten this far, it's because we deserved it. We knew we'd encounter matches of this level of difficulty. The group makes us very proud because they're ready to improve on what we're looking for in terms of growth. I hope we can evolve toward becoming a winning team in every aspect.

We have a very dedicated coaching staff, a group of professionals, the vast majority of whom grew up at the club and who deeply identify with us. Each has their own merits, and no one does anything alone. They strive to keep us informed as much as possible. In big games, the details make a huge difference.

With Berrío's absence and Cirino's departure, we were left without a more attacking option, and Rodinei possesses these physical characteristics and stepped up to help us when needed. This gave us another option. His wide runs complete the triangulation and find space behind the defenders. Thankfully, it delivered the results we were hoping for.

Playing up front is a hallmark of the club and this group. With defensive caution and organization. I hope we can play another great game on Sunday. We really want this title, and the fans deserve to celebrate. Fluminense is a talented team, and it will be a very difficult game. Congratulations, and now it's time to rest for Sunday's match. We at the club really want this title, and we have to earn it.

It was a very important goal. We didn't give up. The group showed a lot of character after we lost 1-1. We fight, we play, we're having very intense and decisive matches. The group deserves congratulations and can show once again that we have grit, we fought until the end and we didn't give up. That second goal was important to give us peace of mind and seek the third.

Sunday is another battle. We have to win. We deserve the Rio de Janeiro championship after what we fought for to reach the final. We have to play well against Fluminense. I hope we can. I'm at Zé's disposal. I'm trying to recover quickly. I'll rest well and eat well.

Play style
I try to look for the ball, move out of the box a bit, help my teammates, create space for Arão, Mancuello, and Gabriel to run in. I try to create some uncertainty for the defenders. I have to continue the same way when Diego returns. Keep looking for the game, keep changing, and create uncertainty for the defenders. I like not just waiting for the ball to arrive. 

The fans help us a lot on the field, the loud chants, the excitement. The fans' trust in me motivates me to keep going. So do my teammates. 

I'm very proud to be part of this club. Being part of the club's history is a special motivation. I hope I can continue scoring goals and helping the team, which is the most important thing.

I feel calm. The team gives me a lot of peace of mind. I see the expressions on my teammates' faces and I feel very comfortable. Everyone helps the team a lot, and that's important for this group. A very strong and qualified squad.