Sampaoli on signings: Cassierra as second striker, Atlético concerns

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·22 de enero de 2026

Sampaoli on signings: Cassierra as second striker, Atlético concerns

After the 1-1 draw between Atlético and América on Wednesday night (21st) at Independência, coach Jorge Sampaoli held a press conference and was heavily questioned about the team's current situation and the arrival of reinforcements. The result marked Galo’s fourth draw in four matches in the Campeonato Mineiro, keeping the team winless in the competition.

One of the main topics discussed was the arrival of Colombian forward Mateo Cassierra, who has already landed in Belo Horizonte to undergo medical exams. Sampaoli pointed out that he still does not know in what condition the player will present himself, but he did share his thoughts on Cassierra’s characteristics on the field.

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“I don’t know how he will arrive. For me, he is a second striker, based on the characteristics I’ve seen. It will be a matter of him adapting to the team, training, and serving what the team currently lacks, which is offensive effectiveness,” said the coach.

Another point that raised questions was the delay in signing a defensive midfielder, a position considered lacking in the squad. Sampaoli did not hide his concern, but emphasized that he does not have direct control over the market.

Everything worries me! But the reality is that I don’t control this. Every late arrival of players causes a change in the overall planning. Today, Preciado is not at the level he should be, and neither is Minda. They will have to get up to speed over time. The problem is that football doesn’t allow you that time.

The coach was also asked about the possibility of Atlético seeking a left-footed center-back to strengthen the defense. Sampaoli answered honestly, stating that, at this moment, the priority is to maximize the potential of the players already in the squad.

Honestly, I don’t know. We think we are almost the same team we had last year. The reality is that the start of this season, defensively, has been different from the end of the last one. At the end of last year, the team played more solidly than it does now. At this moment, I’m more concerned with maximizing the players we have than with the possibility of choosing a new player to come in. I prefer to keep working with those who are here.

With the draw against América, Atlético has four points and occupies third place in Group A of the Campeonato Mineiro. The alvinegro team returns to the field next Sunday (25th) at 6 p.m. for the classic against Cruzeiro at Arena MRV, for the fifth round of the State Championship.

After that, Galo will already have an important challenge with the debut of the Campeonato Brasileiro, when they host Palmeiras on Wednesday (28th) at 7 p.m., again at Arena MRV.

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