Atlético Mineiro forward Diego Tardelli admits he’s had to adapt to fit into head coach Cuca’s preferred style of play.
The 28 year-old rejoined the Belo Horizonte-based club in January 2012 for €7 million from Al-Gharafa SC.
Tardelli has proven to be a successful addition and played a key role in Atlético’s Copa Libertadores triumph earlier this year.
The former PSV player believes he has matured since working under Cuca and is now a more selfless player.
“Atletico have had the same system in place since 2012, with two strikers who track back on the opposing full-backs,” he told FIFA.com. “I’ve had to adapt my game. It’s not been a problem for me though because I’ve never been one of those strikers who just hang around the penalty box.
“I’ve been surprised with how mature I’ve become on the pitch though, and the fact that I’m able to perform other roles, sometimes out wide and sometimes in the middle. It’s great that I’ve been able to do that, especially playing alongside such good players.”
