Before traveling to Volta Redonda, where they face Vasco on Saturday (25), Flamengo trained at CT this Friday (24). After the activities, coach Zé Ricardo spoke with the press. In the chat, he spoke about the expectations for the classic, for the Libertadores and praised the team's preparation for the upcoming decisions.

Check out the main points covered by the coach:

We're fierce rivals; there's a fierce competition, within the limits. May we have a high-level match in every aspect. Without a doubt, peace is a key factor in this match. It's crucial that we understand that football is part of Brazilian culture. I can't see this escalating into violence. I was upset during the Botafogo game with the sad episodes; this drives away fans who enjoy going to the stadium with their families. Going to games only brings joy, not only for families but also for players and coaching staff. We hope that everything goes well off the field so we can bring true fans to the stadium. 

Rivals often taunt each other, and Flamengo also went a long time without losing to Vasco. It's common in many sports. We're entering a new era, a new year, and with each match we aim to improve our performance. It's with this mindset that we'll take the field tomorrow, respecting our opponents but focused on improving our performance and our collective game so we can achieve our goals.

It's a different game; at the grassroots level, we learned to live with this kind of rivalry. During this time, fortunately, I've never experienced anything more serious in terms of violence. In professional football, rivalry is heightened by the sheer number of people involved; there are two large fan bases. 

The most important thing is to be prepared for a big game. It's going to be a tough match, with two teams looking for space on the field. I see some similarities between the teams. Vasco has new signings and is a strengthening group. That's why I believe the game will be decided by game strategies. Cristóvão is trying to devise a strategy to inhibit us, and we're doing the same. We'll have a game with a lot of mobilization on both sides of the field, and Flamengo is certainly preparing to neutralize the opponent's players effectively.

We're firmly committed to having a strong season, and this match is part of what we see as growth: putting our strength to the test to not only reach the Guanabara Cup final but also as a step in our preparation for the Copa Libertadores. We're on track to be the protagonists of our matches, but it's difficult to talk about favoritism, especially in derbies. We have plenty of examples. What we need is to perform so we can win the match. Among players who have never played in this derby, it's a motivating factor, not a hindrance.

Yesterday and today we practiced some things I liked, to try to surprise the Vasco team. I haven't decided on the starting lineup yet; we're taking 20 players to calmly analyze with the committee and decide who starts.

We have a skilled and intelligent coaching staff. Even leaving professionals here, those who traveled are capable of handling the situation. From there, we were able to watch the training session via video. We noticed that the squad is very focused for tomorrow's game, and I'm certain that what was done, with the group that went to Fortaleza and the one that stayed, we made the right decision. We achieved our goal of qualifying first in the Primeira Liga Cup there and were also able to give our players, especially some younger ones, some games. We were able to rest other players and maintain a good match rhythm against Ceará, a strong Serie B team.

We have a very experienced group; we don't need to talk about fasting because they're aware of the current situation and the difference between what we've been through and what we'll face. We have to be very focused, and everyone can expect a very competitive Flamengo. We'll keep the provocations out of this so we don't lose our concentration. I'm sure a well-focused team significantly elevates our performance.

I'm not trying to foster an exaggerated rivalry. Playing for Flamengo, competing in important championships during a difficult season, is already enough to motivate them. Flamengo needs to be motivated day to day. Of course, everyone wants to play in a final like this; it's a major derby, and every athlete enjoys playing great matches. Nothing more than that, I don't push anyone, because football is about confrontations, with each team trying to get the best out of their opponent. For me, that's enough; the athletes know the importance of the match, and we want to maintain our 100% record in the Campeonato Carioca. Therefore, we do everything within our power to secure a spot in the final.

It's bad for fans that we have these uncertainties. From now on, with the return of Maracanã and the completion of the Ilha Stadium, we hope we don't go through this again. Big matches, big challenges, should always be held on the best stages. In this situation, a venue with good conditions was chosen, and I hope we don't witness any acts of violence. I dream of one day having a championship where we already know where the final will be, with tickets sold in advance and logistics established. It may be a bit utopian on my part, but this raises the level of soccer, of the entire community involved. It seems a bit far-fetched, but with all parties united, we could offer a better experience to consumers, the fans, and also to us who work in this field.

When we planned our Libertadores debut, we really considered the previous matches as key. I hope it's a great test, a great event for us, and that we can qualify by playing well. Playing at Maracanã was celebrated news; it's a great stage for Rio de Janeiro residents and everyone who follows football. We hope the fans fill Maracanã on the 8th, pushing from start to finish. In such a difficult match, we need all our strength, and our greatest strength is the support, the fans' roar until the end. We'll prepare well and make a great debut in the competition. In the Libertadores, winning at home is essential for those who think big as we do.

The medical department's prediction is the same as the initial one, and they're delivering on it. It's important for them to return to their natural habitat, which is the field. I gave them a lot of encouragement today in training; they're two tenacious, dedicated, and incredibly professional players. It's certainly rewarding to see them on the field practicing; it gives us confidence that they'll soon be integrated into the group and interacting with us.

He's not 100% fit from his injury, and we need fully fit players for a match like this, which will be intense. Berrío is traveling with us, has done recovery work and prepared for the match, and is one of our options.