After six games into the 2023 season, Luiz Araújo has two goals and one assist so far and has been an important part of a very dangerous attack Atlanta United’s attack. Coming off a win over the New York Red Bulls, the Brazilian forward and former Lille star talked to Território MLS about the league, his teammate Thiago Almada and the decision to remain in Major League Soccer.
By: Gustavo Guimarães with Gustavo Lopes
Translation: Celso Oliveira
Atlanta had an irregular season last year and ended up not making the playoffs, but the situation changed this year. What do you think the club did so that 2023 could be different in terms of results?
We have an excellent team and are gaining more confidence over time. Everyone within the club trusts the project, and from year to year, I can see that the infrastructure improves as well. It is a club that is never satisfied, has a competitive spirit, and is fundamental to keep growing.
Luiz Araújo shocks the crowd in Charlotte 😱@ATLUTD lead early 2-0 💪 pic.twitter.com/WztrdpVRPZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 11, 2023
How much did the departure of Gabriel Heinze and the problems involving the former Argentine coach affect performance on the pitch in 2022?
I didn’t play with Heinze. When I arrived at the club, he was gone.
Opinion: MLS/USL Turf war and other defeated leagues
Did rumors arise of a possible return to Brazilian football for Palmeiras during the pre-season? Was there such a demand? Did any other club make an offer?
There was interest from some clubs, but we didn’t take it forward at that time. I want to keep my focus here in MLS and leave the future in the hands of my managers. I’m living a critical moment, helping the team, and I want to keep thinking about ‘now.’
You and Thiago Almada are making an exciting duo at the start of the 2023 season. What is it like for you to work alongside the Argentine?
He is a brilliant player with a lot of technique and resources. I’m happy it’s working out, and I hope to re-enact it in more games this year.
➡️ Nick Firmino
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 8, 2023
💫 Thiago Almada
⚽️ Luiz Araújo
THIS GOAL 🤩 pic.twitter.com/YJvIyjvvhk
Atlanta United is one of the few MLS clubs that play in a stadium designed for the NFL, and the support from the crowd leaves the club always fighting for the highest average attendance in the league. How does this support feel for you on the field? Does it produce the same energy as Brazilian football, or are Atlanta fans passionate about the club despite being a few years old organization?
The atmosphere is always superb. I love playing in this stadium. I feel at home. I think it’s a magnificent stadium in all aspects and, when it’s full, it’s even nicer for us players.
Regarding the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, there are criticisms of the stadium’s turf, alleging that the type used may increase the risk of injury. What is your opinion about this?
Você já viu os estádios de Atlanta? Mercedes Benz Stadium, casa do Atlanta United, da Major League Soccer. pic.twitter.com/MoHXxApaGC
— Território MLS🇧🇷 (@territoriomls) January 28, 2023
The pitch conditions are favorable for me. I think we can adapt well in games, and the most important thing is to maintain our objective, to seek victory. The pitch conditions do not interfere with our way of defending and attacking. We always look for goals and make the stadium our home.
Luiz, the MLS has been gaining increasing importance as a bridge to European football, and you did just the opposite. So what made you agree to play in the United States and not Europe?
I had a consolidated passage in Europe, four years, French title with Lille, and I looked for new challenges, which in life are like fuel for me, on a personal and professional level, in every sense. Football is seen in a very positive light, further enriching a championship that gains strength yearly.
This year has the Leagues Cup in the summer and in a World Cup format. What do you think about the idea of stopping MLS for a month to play in this new tournament, as the number of games will increase
I think that everything that comes to add to football here is essential. We are in a very cool growth spur, and I like participating. If it’s going to aggregate, bring even more families to the stadiums, generate more visibility… These are worthwhile ideas.
Atlanta United will take on NYCFC in New York at 4:30 pm local time tomorrow. They occupy the second spot in the Eastern Conference standings behind Cincinnati.
(Cover: Atlanta United)
