Hulk vents after defeat, urges Atlético to show “big club” mentality

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·1 December 2025

Hulk vents after defeat, urges Atlético to show “big club” mentality

The forward Hulk gave a frank interview after the 1-0 defeat to Fortaleza last Sunday (30), at Arena Castelão, in the 35th round of the Brasileirão. Visibly shaken, the number 7 apologized to the fans, lamented the team's current attitude, and made a strong outburst about his role on the field and the moment the club is experiencing.

Right at the start of his speech, Hulk explained why he did not give interviews after Atlético’s defeat in the final of the Copa Sudamericana: “Words were missing at that moment. All I could do was apologize to our fans for not achieving the goal when we had everything in our favor. We didn’t know how to take advantage!”

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Criticism of the team’s attitude: “We need to play like a big club”

One of the most forceful parts of the interview came when Hulk spoke about Atlético’s change in behavior compared to previous seasons.

Since I arrived, in 2021, I always felt I was in a big club, a team that takes the initiative, that wants to win every game, a team with personality. In recent years, it’s been more difficult. We don’t have that mindset. We’re being more reactive than proactive and that’s been very hard, having to play off the opponent’s mistakes. We need to play like a big club, we are a big club.

His words highlight the number 7’s dissatisfaction with the current playing style and reinforce the internal demand to regain protagonism.

Despite the criticism, Hulk made a point of showing respect to coach Jorge Sampaoli, but pointed out his discomfort with the role he has been playing.

There is hierarchy in football and we always have to respect the decisions of those in charge. It’s been like that with every coach who has been here. Sampaoli is a coach I like a lot and, as I’ve always said, I have a lot of respect for his career. But if you pay attention to the games, I’m very alone up front. It’s hard to play with my back to goal, it’s not my style. Naturally, a lot of mistakes happen, and I’ve been falling short. I’m a player used to having high numbers and unfortunately my numbers have dropped because I’m not used to playing this role.

The forward, who has always been an attacking protagonist playing with freedom and facing the goal, reported difficulties in performing as a more fixed reference point.

Future at the club: “I will never be a problem”

Hulk also commented on his future and the rumors that have circulated in recent weeks. The player reaffirmed his affection for the club and said that his stay does not depend only on him: “I love being at this club, which embraced me and gave me opportunities. As I’ve said before, I will always respect Galo and give my best. I have one more year on my contract, I’ve heard a lot of things about me. If I stay here, it will be God’s will. I will always love it. If I’m not supposed to be here, I don’t know, maybe by the board’s decision or if an offer comes and they think it’s best to let me go, it’s not up to me. I will always respect, I will never be a problem. Whether playing badly or well, I will always respect those in charge and, above all, this club.”

League position and next steps

With the defeat, Atlético remained on 45 points and occupies 13th place. Galo returns to the field on Wednesday (3), at 9:30 pm, when they host Palmeiras at Arena MRV.

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