Rubro-negro coach Zé Ricardo spoke to reporters after Tuesday morning's training session (30) in the press room at CT George Helal, in Vargem Grande. The decisive match for the Copa Sudamericana this Wednesday (31) was the main topic of the press conference. Among other topics discussed, the commander commented on the good performance of Leandro Damião and Diego in their first matches for Mais Querido.

This match will start with an unfavorable score and the challenges Figueirense poses. We're aware of what we need to do and how difficult it will be. We need to be intense, but also intelligent. If we maintain offensive balance and capitalize on our opportunities, we can turn this around. The players are aware and understand the importance of this match.

We should make some changes. We tested a few options in today's training. We didn't have much time to make any drastic changes, but we believe we can be a bit more offensive. However, there's no confirmation yet on that. We'll study the options further, study the opponent more, and then make a decision. 

In the first match, we also used our full strength. We had many consecutive matches, and this time, we saw the opportunity to use other players who hadn't been playing as much. Our plan was to enter the match against Chapecoense in good physical condition, as we'd worn ourselves out in the match against Grêmio at 11 a.m. So, we made this plan together with the management and the players, something that had been discussed internally for some time.

We count on the support of our fans there. They've always welcomed us warmly and with a lot of energy. I'm sure that in this next game, the Cariacica fans will support and encourage our team in their quest for qualification. We know that Flamengo's fans are incredibly powerful, and we know that this strength will propel us to even greater heights.

All the athletes know we need to reverse a significant deficit. In the locker room in Chapecó, we already had a conversation that we'll need to play this way, with great intensity and intelligence. We need to ensure the match develops at the pace we need, but always with offensive and defensive balance. The knockout competition is different. We're focusing on tomorrow's match very carefully so we can achieve our goal, which is qualification.

From the first moment we spoke, I sensed his desire to regain his place in Brazilian football. He's a great player. He showed great interest during training and was eager to regain his fitness, which isn't yet 100%. Against Grêmio, when he was substituted, he was very tired, with cramps in both legs, and therefore didn't play in the match against Orlando Scarpelli. In the last game, he was crucial to our victory, as were the other players. If he continues at this pace, he'll soon relive the good times he had in Brazilian football. 

I thought the victory was crucial, especially after last Wednesday's game. However, we know we still have a long way to go in the Brazilian Championship. We need to maintain consistency, something we lacked in the first half of the season, to make a strong showing in the competition. Two consecutive victories in the competition, with strong performances, were crucial for them.

Most players who return to Brazil after a long time playing abroad need time to readapt to football here. We don't put any pressure on them to play well and decide matches, while also instilling confidence in them. We have a very good group to work with, who enjoy being on the field both in matches and in training. This made their adaptation much easier. They both came here with open hearts, and their chemistry is working.

*Collaborated under the supervision of Ricardo Taves