After the three stunning goals that led Flamengo to qualification for the Copa Sudamericana, Flamengo manager Zé Ricardo spoke to reporters in the press room at Kléber Andrade Stadium in Cariacica, Espírito Santo. Ricardo emphasized the importance of striker Marcelo Cirino's goal in the first leg at the Orlando Scarpelli Stadium and commented on the club's excellent performance in the second leg, which earned Flamengo a spot in the round of 16 of the continental competition.

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We played as expected. We had to take action from the beginning. We managed to maintain defensive balance for most of the match, despite conceding a goal early in the match. We have a very experienced team. As soon as we conceded the goal, I saw Pará take the ball directly to midfield. We kept the ball on the ground and managed to turn the match around.

I think it was Marcelo Cirino's goal in Florianópolis. That was the goal that put us back in contention. I didn't choose to bring Marcelo in for tactical reasons. We talked at length, and I made it clear that we needed players with shorter dribbling skills. I think that was the most important goal for our qualification.

Fernando has been performing well. He was involved in Mancuello's goal against Atlético-PR. He's a hard-working athlete. He has a knack for short dribbling on both the left and right. I'm happy with his good performance. We trained with him on the left, and he played a good role tonight.

Kléber Andrade is the Maracanã stadium of Espírito Santo. We came here to play for the fifth time this year, and each time we were extremely well received. These fans have immense affection for us. They understood that we would need their help to emerge victorious.

Ponte Preta's team plays very evenly. It wasn't by chance that they beat Corinthians in their last match in the competition. Eduardo Baptista is a football expert and has the São Paulo team's squad in his hands. We'll try to make the most of our home advantage. I'm sure the fans will come to Kléber Andrade Stadium again to support us.

*Collaborated under the supervision of Ricardo Taves