Atlético Mineiro’s manager, Jorge Sampaoli, has parted ways with the club, effective February 12, 2026, after disagreements over player acquisitions and the direction of the team.
The club, home to Ecuadorian players Alan Franco, Alan Minda and Ángelo Preciado, announced the mutual agreement to terminate Sampaoli’s contract. The move comes amid a challenging start to the 2026 season and follows a disappointing run to the final of the 2025 Copa Sudamericana, where they lost to Lanús in a penalty shootout.
Sampaoli reportedly intensified his requests for high-profile reinforcements, a pattern seen at his previous clubs, leading to friction with the Atlético Mineiro board. Despite the club investing in players like Alan Minda, Renan Lodi, Preciado, and Maycon, the manager felt the squad wasn’t strong enough to compete at the highest level.
According to sources, Sampaoli repeatedly rejected player suggestions presented by the club, deeming none of the alternatives suitable. The club’s decision-making process requires broad approval for signings, but the manager reportedly dismissed proposals as unreasonable.
One specific point of contention was Sampaoli’s insistence on signing a traditional defensive midfielder, a “number 5” type player, despite not believing the current midfielders on the roster were adequate.
Further complicating matters, Sampaoli consistently pushed for the departure of star forward Hulk, even after interest from Fluminense and a period of internal conflict that ultimately resulted in Hulk remaining with the club. The board refused to grant his request, finding it counterproductive given Hulk’s continued importance to the team – he remained a starter and captain despite the manager’s wishes.
The relationship between Sampaoli and Atlético Mineiro’s leadership deteriorated, characterized by strong and negative criticism from the manager. This created a tense atmosphere within the club.
