Even so, at the turn of the season, he intensified requests for high-level reinforcements, repeating a script seen at other clubs. Atlético-MG invested in athletes such as Alan Minda, Renan Lodi, Preçado and Maycon. But, for the coach, it was insufficient.
Atlético-MG mapped players to certain positions, presenting options. Sampaoli said that none of the alternatives worked. The logic within the club is that the decision to hire goes through bodies and has general approvals. The coach did not accept the suggestions and made requests classified as meaningless.
There was a request for a traditional steering wheel, a number 5, for example. Sampaoli showed no intention of adapting to the midfielders in the squad.
In the reformulation advocated by Sampaoli, he constantly asked for striker Hulk to leave. There was interest from Fluminense, Hulk’s friction within the club and the agreement for him to stay. Even after that, the coach continued to ask him to leave.
The athletic board denied his request as the situation had already been resolved with the player. It was notable that, despite the coach’s requests, Hulk was Galo’s starter and captain.
Furthermore, the relationship between Sampaoli and athletic directors became tense, with strong and negative criticism of him within the club. The weather was not good.
date:2026-02-13 00:24:00
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