Atlético-MG is on the hunt for a new head coach following the departure of Gabriel Milito, who left the club on December 4, 2024. The Brazilian side is facing the unusual scenario of being without a manager for 23 days—a situation prompting urgent action as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Since Milito's exit, Atlético-MG has been discreetly evaluating possible candidates to lead their squad. The club's strategy includes consideration of prominent names, but they have already ruled out some options, including former Flamengo head coach Tite and Matías Almeyda from AEK Athens.
Initially, Tite seemed like a potential choice. Widely respected for his tactical instincts and recent experience with Flamengo, where he took the team to the Copa Libertadores, he was discussed internally among club officials. "Tite é um técnico muito capaz e que preenche os pré-requisitos estabelecidos. Mas ele não quer trabalhar no futebol brasileiro," said an anonymous source from Atlético-MG, highlighting the head coach's desire to remain abroad rather than take up another Brazilian club position.
Matías Almeyda's name was also floated; he is currently achieving noticeable success with AEK. Although he fits the profile the club is seeking, he too has indicated a strong preference to continue his work outside Brazil.
With the situation clarified for Tite and Almeyda, Atlético-MG finds itself returning to the drawing board as they continue their quest for the right fit. The challenge, they believe, is to find a coach whose vision aligns with the club's goals, particularly one with international experience and proven success.
Several other candidates such as Portuguese coaches Luís Castro and Pedro Caixinha have been discussed, yet negotiations have yet to materialize. The board is aware of the complexity of this search, noting the importance of appointing someone who can instill effective strategies and uplift the team’s spirit.
The urgency of this decision lies not just in the absence of Milito, but also with players returning from their break on January 8, 2025, for pre-season training at the Cidade do Galo training facility. Shortly thereafter, the team is scheduled to participate in the Inter&Co Soccer Week tournament in the United States, marking their first competitive engagements of the season.
Through all these transitions, Atlético-MG's directorial team is making it clear: the coming days are significant for establishing the foundation for the season. With distant ambitions of competing for both national and international titles on the horizon, the commitment to find the right leader is at the forefront of their agenda.
Some fans have expressed concerns over the prolonged search for a head coach, but the club appears committed to ensuring they make the best decision. While the wait continues, players and management alike are aware the clock is ticking. A new head coach is not just about immediate needs; it is about future aspirations. The intent is to select someone who thoroughly understands the club's culture and can implement innovative strategies for consistent performance.
With all eyes on Atlético-MG, the team's future hinges on the direction it takes next. Management remains optimistic, believing the right person will soon emerge to guide the team back to the forefront of the Brazilian football scene.
