Fluminense are bracing themselves for another potential blow when the sides clash in the big Rio "Fla-Flu" derby on Sunday, having lost 2-1 at home to second-placed Corinthians in midweek.
The leaders have dropped 13 points in six matches, a worrying slump that has seen a once big advantage whittled away. They are now ahead of Corinthians only on goal difference.
"All teams wobble but we've paid our dues," Flu coach Muricy Ramalho told reporters. "We stopped winning points and that's complicated this championship.
"Now we've got to pull the team together again, lift the players' morale and look again for the road to victory."
Toro said Sunday's derby could be decided by which team wanted victory most.
"We know how difficult the match against Fluminense will be, they're not leaders for nothing," he added.
"We know the quality players they have but it's a 'clasico' and that involves a lot of things, details. Whoever has a bit more heart will win."
