Arana quotes Sampaoli when commenting on his position with Milito < No Attack

A new, but old positioning. It is possible to summarize the new duties of left-back Guilherme Arana at Atlético since the arrival of coach Gabriel Milito.

The 27-year-old player has practically acted as a left winger in offensive moments, but with duties in defense when the team does not have the ball. Before, he had a more balanced role under the command of Felipão.

Still, freedom in attack is nothing new for Arana. After Atlético’s 1-0 victory over Rosario Central on Tuesday (7/5), at the Estádio Gigante de Arroyito, in Rosario, the full-back mentioned that he already acted in practically the same way with Jorge Sampaoli, in 2020.

“One of my characteristics has always been to support the offensive part, I already worked in that system with Sampaoli, but I played inside, not as extreme as I am playing now, but my role ends up being the same, because when we are without the ball I’m on the defensive line. Happy with everything that is happening at Atlético, my performance, I hope to maintain this performance”, he said, in an interview with Paramount.

The game in the fourth round of Group G Copa Libertadores was Arana’s 21st in 2024. He has already contributed three goals and six assists. In 2020, also with freedom to attack, the full-back scored six goals and provided nine assists in 48 matches.