After training on Friday (22), commander Zé Ricardo spoke to journalists in the press room at CT George Helal. Among the many topics covered, the coach spoke about the quality of the squad that is being formed at Flamengo. In addition, he commented on the introduction of Monday rounds in the Brazilian calendar and about the red-black's next opponent, América-MG.

I feel fully prepared to be where I am. I worked for many years in the youth teams, which gives me a significant handicap, but I'll only gain experience through work. I'd 100% rather be in this situation, coaching a squad with big names and as strong as Flamengo's, than the opposite. When we make our signings, we evaluate several aspects, including behavioral aspects. We're building a group where vanity takes a back seat.

Football today requires strength and speed. Without these two characteristics, within an organized game structure, it's very difficult to make the famous transitions and maintain possession. I understand that Mancuello and Alan Patrick can play together, making some adjustments to the team, but we can't give up speed on the wings, both offensively and defensively.

I lived in Italy for a year, working with futsal, and there they also have the game after the round. I saw it was very well received there. I even watched some of those games back then to better understand how it worked. Apparently, it's also a good thing commercially. Within a rational calendar, no midweek games after this match is a good strategy. Otherwise, it could be very detrimental to the teams playing on that day.

At the end of last night's match, we commented on the responsibility we carry for this game. This is an opponent we'll need to be cautious against. We faced them in the Primeira Liga and won 1-0, but it was a tough match. Despite all the changes they've made to the squad and coaching staff, América is the current Minas Gerais champion, which shows the team has its strengths. They're going through a difficult time, but it's times like these that the squad comes together to achieve a goal, especially with the arrival of a new coach. We need to be careful defensively, but we won't give up on playing our game.