Flamengo returns to training and begins preparations to face São Paulo in the Brazilian Championship.

Coming off a 3-0 win over Sport last weekend, Flamengo returned to training this Monday morning at Ninho do Urubu and began preparations for the match against São Paulo. The match for the 32nd round of the Brasileirão will be played next Wednesday (5), at 21:30 pm, at Vila Belmiro. Rubro-Negro remains in second place in the championship with 64 points, one less than Palmeiras.

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Coach Filipe Luís will have some absences for the match. In addition to Bruno Henrique, suspended for his third yellow card, Léo Ortiz, Jorginho, Carrascal, and Pedro are continuing treatment for their respective injuries. Everton Cebolinha is in the final stages of recovery and is doing individual ball work on the field. 

After training, right-back Varela gave a press conference in the training center's press room. Here are some excerpts:

Opponent in the Libertadores final

"Honestly, if I could choose one, I'd choose LDU. Of course, if LDU were to advance, it would be better for us. Just as it would be better for them if Racing advanced. But I think Flamengo has some things pending from that final in Uruguay, so it's going to be a tough final. I'm sure we can win."

Fight for ownership

“When I arrived in 2022, the beginning was quite difficult because, besides me, there were two other full-backs competing for the position. One was Rodinei and the other was Matheuzinho. I arrived in the middle of the season, in September or October, so I had difficulty playing. Then, obviously, I suffered a bit with the adaptation process. Now, with Filipe's arrival, I've managed to do the work I did in other teams, I've found my place on the field. This way of playing now makes me feel more comfortable and secure. Of course, a player always wants to play, but everyone wants to play, that's normal.”

“Both me and Royal, whoever plays, I think it won't make much difference. Filipe knows this. He can manage the workload very well, he can rest and play. Full-backs have a lot of wear and tear, they have to go all the way to the byline and come back to defend. It's difficult. It's difficult to play here in Brazil every two or three days and be 100% physically fit.”

Expectations for the Libertadores final

"These are two teams that have been conquering America for a long time. They are high-quality teams, with great players, and two good coaches who know how they want to play. I can say that the 29th will be a great final for football, it will be a great game." 

The Flamengo squad returns to training on Tuesday morning (4), and in the afternoon, travels to São Paulo. 

Watch Varela's press conference in full on FlamengoTV:

//www.youtube.com/embed/NC5AM6B07MQ