EXCLUSIVE: The Atalanta striker has dismissed doubts about his compatriot's temperament and discipline, saying the midfielder has great character
Mauricio Pinilla says that there is no doubt that Arturo Vidal will prove a big hit at Bayern Munich , claiming his Chile team-mate is a success wherever he goes.
Vidal finally completed his €40 million move from Juventus to the Bundesliga champions on Thursday , with the midfielder signing a four-year contract with the Bavarians.
The 28-year-old proved a big hit in Turin following his 2011 arrival from Bayer Leverkusen but he struggled to produce his best form last season, as he struggled to recover from a nagging knee problem that hindered him in 2014.
There have also been some concerns about Vidal's behaviour off the field of late, with the Santiago native having been dropped by Juve last October after an alleged altercation at a nightclub and then involved in a drink-driving incident during this summer's Copa America.
However, Pinilla insists Bayern fans should have no worries about their star summer signing reproducing his very best form at the Allianz Arena, arguing that Vidal is as mentally strong as he is talented.
"Wherever Arturo goes, he always plays well," the striker said . "He has great quality but also a lot of personality. He has character.
"Put him in front of anyone, any team, he does not change his style of play.
"I think that it is really his mentality that sets him apart."
Pinilla also revealed that he has the utmost respect for Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli, who led the country to a first Copa America triumph in July, masterminding a win over favourites Argentina in the final.
Speculation is rife that the coach is now set to step down after making history with the Roja, and Pinilla freely admits that he would be devastated to see the 55-year-old quit, with the qualification process for Russia 2018 set to get under way later this year.
"I think he's a different type of coach, a technician can get 100 per cent out of every player," the Atalanta attacker stated.
"He's very demanding, especially in terms of the intensity of training, but he's a coach you can talk to.
"He's a great coach, one of the best I've ever had.
"I have seen many teams like ours, with big stars, big players, but it doesn't always work out.
"So, it would be sad if he were to leave the team, especially at this time, because he has been an important guide for all the lads.
"It would also be a shame because of everything that we have built. We would have to start from scratch, start a new cycle."
Turning his attention to club level, though, Pinilla admitted that he is looking forward to the new Serie A season with renewed optimism, after helping Atalanta avoid relegation following his arrival in Bergamo from Genoa midway through the 2014-15 campaign.
"I came to Atalanta to help them beat the drop during what was a difficult year but we achieved the goal of staying up," the 31-year-old forward added.
"This summer, there have been plenty of changes and I think that we can fight to finish in the top 10 this season."
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