Filipe Luís: Luiz Araújo sacrifices for the team out of position | OneFootball

Even admitting that Luiz Araújo's best performance is on the right, Filipe Luís justified his use on the left for strategic reasons

Flamengo fell behind in the fight for a spot in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals after losing 1-0 to Atlético-MG on Wednesday (31) at Maracanã. In the first leg of the round of 16, the red-and-black team had moments of instability. In addition, decisions made by coach Filipe Luís generated criticism, such as starting Luiz Araújo on the left. After the match, however, the coach defended his choice, highlighting tactical aspects and the player's versatility.

— His best place is on the right, but today I wanted to leave Gonçalves there, for the dribble, 1×1. And thinking that Luiz Araújo is lethal and a natural finisher. He played other games, scored goals, and provided assists playing on the left. His game is not benefited by being there, but the finishing phase I believe yes. He sacrifices himself for the team, tried, it wasn't a good game for him or the team, but that's normal —, he said in a post-match press conference.

DOES LUIZ ARAÚJO PLAY BETTER ON THE RIGHT?

Luis Araújo's original position is on the right wing, a sector where the attacker usually performs better and stands out for his speed and finishing plays. In a recent interview, the player himself confirmed that he feels more comfortable playing on that side of the field, where he has more familiarity.

“I like playing more on the right, where I'm more used to it. But wherever Filipe needs me, I'll be ready. I've already played as a right winger, left winger, and even more inside”, he said.

Despite his preference, Luiz Araújo showed a willingness to collaborate with the team, regardless of the tactical function assigned to him. According to the athlete, the priority is to contribute to the collective. “What I want is to always be able to help Flamengo come out victorious”, completed the number 7.

WILL LUIZ ARAÚJO PLAY IN FLAMENGO'S NEXT MATCH?

At Filipe Luís' disposal, Luiz Araújo is one of the options for Flamengo's next match on Sunday (03), against Ceará, for the Brasileirão. The ball rolls out at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, in Fortaleza. For Mengão, the duel is worth staying in first place.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.