Hulk avoids row, backs Atlético mood: “Run better, not more” | OneFootball

After Atlético’s 2-1 win over Ceará at Arena MRV, striker Hulk spoke in the mixed zone about the club’s internal atmosphere, a topic that gained attention after Renan Lodi’s recent statements.

As he left the pitch, in an interview with SporTV, Lodi admitted that the team is not going through a good moment, citing factors both on and off the field. His remarks quickly sparked debate among fans and the media, raising questions about the atmosphere within the black-and-white squad.

Captain and the group’s main leader, Hulk was asked about the issue, but was cautious and avoided directly commenting on his teammate’s statements: “I didn’t see Lodi’s interview, so I can’t comment on something I didn’t hear. I’d rather not comment on it. But the atmosphere is good, an atmosphere of great respect. There are internal matters that need to be resolved internally, not publicly. But since I didn’t hear his interview, I don’t know what it’s about,” said the No. 7.

The striker also commented on coach Eduardo Domínguez’s demands, who, after the win over Juventud (URU), publicly criticized the team’s performance. Hulk acknowledged the stronger tone, but downplayed any interpretation that the squad lacked commitment.

“The coach’s statement was a strong one, but I don’t know if that was exactly what he meant to say (that the players lacked commitment). It’s not a lack of commitment! If you look at our GPS data day to day, our workload is high, it’s good. I’ve already spoken with Barba about this, and we need to do better,” he explained.

According to the striker, the main point of the criticism is efficiency on the field, not intensity: “What’s been discussed with us isn’t about running more, it’s about running better. There have already been games where we ran more than the opponent and still lost. That’s football: whoever makes fewer mistakes wins,” he added.

Despite the outside attention, Hulk stressed the respect between the players and the coaching staff, highlighting Domínguez’s attitude on a daily basis. “He demands a lot, and everyone here respects him and the staff a lot. Day to day, he treats everyone the same,” he concluded.

Now, Atlético’s focus turns to the Brazilian Championship. Next Sunday (26), Galo will host Flamengo, again at Arena MRV, at 8:30 p.m., in the 13th round of the competition.

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