Jorge Sampaoli Faces Turmoil in Brazil

Jorge Sampaoli remains at the helm of Atlético Mineiro despite their loss in the final of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana against Lanús. The match, held on Saturday at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción, ended in a 0-0 draw, with Galo losing in the penalty shootout. This defeat jeopardizes the club’s qualification for the Copa Libertadores 2026, which could restrict investment for team strengthening.

When asked about his future, Sampaoli reiterated his commitment to honoring his contract through the end of 2027 despite the considerable pressure he faces. He aims to lead a long-term project, referencing the team-building he achieved in 2020: “No, no. I have a two-year contract here, so I still have a year and a half left. I will work on a long-term project at Atlético. In Brazil, it’s a bit complicated, but that’s my idea—to build something similar to what we had in 2020.” Since his return in September, the Argentinian has recorded a mixed record of six wins, seven draws, and six losses, as Atlético Mineiro now focuses on the final stretch of the Brasileirão, with their next match against Flamengo on Tuesday, the 25th, at Arena MRV.