Corinthians’ defeat to Athletico-PR last Saturday marked a new test for Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Giuliano, who didn’t have much space in the squad, proved himself as an attacking midfielder in the second half, replacing Roni. The balance has been positive and Timão has improved with his entry.
Giuliano did well in the Campeonato Paulista playing as a second midfielder, alongside Roni. With the end of Paulistão, the player has gradually lost space and has seen the consolidation of the duo Maycon and Fausto Vera. Against Cuiabá, for example, the number 20 was not even mentioned by Luxa.
However, the training match against Portuguesa last 17 may have marked a new page in Giuliano’s move to Corinthians. During the 2-0 win against Lusa, Luxemburgo saw the possibility of using the midfielder as an attacking midfielder, something he had already done with Paulinho, before the number 15 tore a knee ligament.
“I trained (Giuliano as first midfielder) and it was a surprise, as was Paulinho. They are experienced players, with experience, you put them a little step back and they fit in. Giuliano did well in the training match against Portuguesa , that is when I saw him as the first man in midfield,” commented Luxemburgo at the press conference.
In the first half against Athletico-PR, Corinthians missed many passes when the ball was out. Roni, who filled in for the injured Fausto, didn’t have an inspired trip and the team gave up a lot of possession to Hurricane. With Giuliano, Timão began to have a clean start and gain ground on the Ligga Arena lawn.
“Not having a good ball exit, we missed a lot of passes inside, I started breaking lines when Giuliano came in. From that moment on we started playing Athletico backwards,” commented Luxemburgo.
The former Grêmio midfielder’s contract with Corinthians only expires until the end of this season and the trend is that there will be no extension of his link. Even so, Luxemburgo has Giuliano, now in a new position.
This season, the number 20 scored four assists in 27 games (17 starts).
Source: Terra
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