After the 1-1 draw with Avaí at Ressacada, coach Zé Ricardo spoke to journalists. The Flamengo manager commented on the team's difficult moment, the squad options, and the changes made to the team. Looking ahead to the next Brasileirão match on Wednesday against Ponte Preta, Zé asked for the fans' support throughout the 90 minutes.

Check out the main excerpts from the interview:

Team moment
It was a tough match. The truth is, we're not in a good moment right now. We lack a bit more confidence to be able to go for the result on the field. Sometimes there are two or three plays where a player doesn't quite get it right, and that causes a lack of confidence. It's not a lack of effort. Confidence needs to return, and only with victories will we gain the confidence we need to play calmly.

It was a very relaxed conversation. Muralha is a player whose greatest asset is his personality. He works extremely hard. Victor Hugo (goalkeeper coach) and I understood that if he played three or four games and did well, it would be his responsibility. If he made a mistake, he would be heavily criticized. The situation wasn't very favorable, and we thought it best to put Thiago in. He supported the player. He will continue preparing. Based on merit, if he needs to return, he will.

Today, if we were to take Diego out, we would use Conca in Diego's position. It's very difficult to use both of them together because neither of them is 100% fit. We think it's a risk to put them both together. Since we opted to continue with Diego, we haven't given Conca his debut yet. As soon as we find the possibility, we will use him as well.

The boys did well. Thiago has personality and has been training hard. I have no doubt that he will be one of the best goalkeepers in Brazilian football. He did well, the assessment is positive. Vinicius has the confidence to play, but the pressure is proportional to his age. The more he plays, the more he tends to develop, because he has potential. Today he responded well. In the second half he became more tired and we thought it best to make the substitutions.

What we've been emphasizing is that, in addition to the results not happening, we need to improve our performance. Now it's about discovering, trying, and focusing on demanding better results. We're sure that this way we'll get closer and win as well.

At that moment I was certain it wasn't a penalty. It seems to me that's what these assistant referees are for. In fact, in the previous play, he had awarded us a corner kick, and the referee gave a goal kick instead.

We'll analyze things carefully over these two days. Willian has participated a lot in the matches so far. Perhaps he's feeling the effects of all the effort he's put in. He has our confidence. We'll talk. If we have to make a substitution for the next matches, no problem at all. Because it's a group we have complete confidence in, and the player in that position is training well. I see this as natural.

We have some important factors to consider for this match. Today we saw Diego play an entire game, which was a major concern. I think he's getting back into rhythm. We're debuting in our new stadium, and I'm sure the fans will fill it. I ask for everyone's understanding because we'll need their support. Let the criticism come later, directed at me and the players, but during the match, let's count on the strength of the fans against a difficult opponent. Under pressure, things tend to be worse. I ask the fans to come out in large numbers.