Caretaker explains Cassierra and Minda absence in Atlético draw

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·23 February 2026

Caretaker explains Cassierra and Minda absence in Atlético draw

The 1-1 draw in the derby against América, at Arena MRV, once again brought the technical decisions of Atlético’s coaching staff into debate. After the match, interim coach Lucas Gonçalves, the club’s permanent assistant, explained why striker Mateo Cassierra and Ecuadorian Alan Minda—two of the most expensive signings of the season—were not used.

Asked about the players remaining on the bench, even though he made only four substitutions—when five were allowed—Lucas was straightforward: “They came on in the last game, with plenty of time to play.”

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In the previous match, against Itabirito, Cassierra and Minda played for 22 minutes. The Colombian made an impact: he scored a goal and even hit the crossbar, leaving a good impression.

Game reading determined the choices

According to the interim coach, the decision was based on a specific reading of the match against Coelho. Lucas emphasized that each game requires different strategies and that the players’ characteristics directly influence the substitutions.

Each game has its own story, its own way of thinking about substitutions. The players have different characteristics. Cassierra has a different style from the forwards who started today; he’s a box striker. I didn’t see today a situation I’ve seen at other times, which are crosses into the box, getting to the byline to have that presence in the area. I don’t believe that was a problem for using a player with Cassierra’s characteristics. We were giving América more space and had room for counterattacks.

Lucas also explained the choice to maintain a stronger midfield structure, mentioning the selection of Igor Gomes: “So it really depends on the reading of what the game is presenting to you. Minda himself is a pacey player, but we wanted to keep a stronger game structure, with a midfielder like Igor Gomes.”

Opportunities will come

Despite criticism over the absence of the high-investment signings, the assistant assured that both will have opportunities soon.

Of course, at another time, with a different reading, these players will be used, they’re training for that. They are indeed adapting, but they’re already ready. Naturally, they’ll end up being used.

While Argentine Eduardo Domínguez has not officially taken over as head coach, the team remains under Lucas Gonçalves’ direction. He will lead the team next Wednesday (25th), at 9:30 pm, when Atlético faces Grêmio in Porto Alegre, for the 4th round of the Brazilian Championship.

Domínguez’s debut is expected to take place on Sunday (1st), at Independência, precisely against América, in the return leg of the Campeonato Mineiro semifinal.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.