Atlético-MG announces departure of coach Jorge Sampaoli after draw with Remo
Argentine coach ends five-month tenure following poor start to 2026 season; auxiliary Lucas Gonçalves takes charge.
3 hrs ago
Atlético-MG announced Thursday the departure of coach Jorge Sampaoli following a 3-3 draw with Remo at Arena MRV in the third round of the Brazilian Championship. The club said the decision was reached by mutual agreement after a meeting at Cidade do Galo earlier in the afternoon.
Sampaoli, 65, ends his second spell with the club after five months in charge. During this tenure, he directed the team in 34 matches, recording 12 victories, 16 draws, and 8 defeats, for a win rate of 50.9 percent.
The Argentine assumed command of Atlético-MG in September 2025, replacing Cuca. In 2025, under Sampaoli's direction, the club reached the Copa Sul-Americana final but lost the title to Lanús of Argentina on penalties.
Atlético-MG has struggled in the early stages of the 2026 season. In the Brazilian Championship, the team remains winless through three rounds, with two draws—against Remo and Palmeiras—and one loss to Red Bull Bragantino. Across all competitions this season, including the Campeonato Mineiro, the club has recorded only two victories in ten matches.
Auxiliary coach Lucas Gonçalves will take charge of the team for Saturday's match against Itabirito in the Campeonato Mineiro, to be played in Nova Lima.
In a statement, Atlético-MG said: "Jorge Sampaoli is no longer the coach of Galo. After a meeting at Cidade do Galo, early this afternoon, the parties reached an understanding to end the coach's work. The club thanks Jorge Sampaoli and his technical staff for services rendered and wishes success in the continuation of his professional trajectory."
This was Sampaoli's second period with Atlético-MG. In 2020, he directed the club in 45 matches, achieving 26 victories, 9 draws, and 10 defeats.