(photo: Samuel Resende/No Attack)
If after the classic against Cruzeiro, Guilherme Arana’s speech included a request to Atlético fans, last Tuesday (24/4), the left-back’s words were of gratitude. After the black and white victory over Peñarol in the Copa Libertadores (3-2), the defender – who boasts idol status for the Minas Gerais club – stated: “This is Galo’s true fans”.
Last Saturday (20/4), after Atlético’s defeat against Cruzeiro (3-0), in Series A of the Brazilian Championship, Arana came to the defense of defender Jemerson and asked for more support from the stands. On that occasion, before the classic, in a demanding tone, Galo fans shouted: “Hey, Jemerson, let’s play”. After the match, the defender was applauded.
“We ask our fans to have a little more patience, because before the game they started picking on Jemerson. This won’t get you anywhere. You have to support. After the game you can boo, but before the game I ask for understanding. Of course, I’m not bigger than anyone or Jemerson’s lawyer, but I think encouraging him will give him more confidence. He has already saved us a lot too and he has to be recognized sometimes”, declared Arana at that point.
Arana thanks athletes for their support against Peñarol
The atmosphere in the stands of Arena MRV, before and during the duel against Peñarol, was above average. At various times, athletes were thrilled with successful exchanges of passes, tackles and displays of race on the part of the athletes.
In the second half, with two goals scored by the Uruguayan team, tension took over the atmosphere. Still, for Arana, the final balance of support from the fans was considerably positive.
“There are a lot of good things that have been happening, and the fans are seeing it. Today, happy with what our fans did. This is Galo’s true fans. He supported us until the end. Even when we were down, they encouraged us there. This is very important.”
Guilherme Arana, Atlético left-back
Undefeated with Gabriel Milito, Guilherme Arana’s Atlético returns to the field on Saturday (27/4), starting at 6:30 pm, to face Cuiabá at Arena Pantanal, in Cuiabá. The match will be played in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship.
