Varini opens up about Nikão’s departure

Coach Martín Varini, from Athletico explained the reason for the improvisation of midfielder Erick, who has been playing as a right-back, and about the departure of midfielder Nikão.

After the victory over Racing Club, from Argentina, the coach spoke about the situation of Argentine Leo Godoy and Madson, who are players in the position and little used.

“He [Erick] is defending very well on the wing, controlling very high level players. Leo [Godoy] started playing, when I arrived, in the position that they had been rotating a lot.”

“We found a solution with Erick, but we are not ruling anyone out. They are happy to be in the group, at this club and training very hard, which for me is the most important thing. They both have their minutes. Like every player, they want to play more, but they understand that the group comes first,” he added.

Against Racing, Erick had less freedom to attack. Unlike in the previous games, he did not become a defensive midfielder when the team had possession of the ball. This hindered Furacão’s attack, which created fewer opportunities than usual.

Nikão’s departure was “distinct”, says Varini

Martín Varini also spoke for the first time about the departure of midfielder Nikão. One of Athletico’s biggest idols is training separately from the main group by decision of the coach.

“Of course, the issue with Nikão was a little different. The details, especially individual ones, are up to me. I’m a coach and I try to do the best for the group and the club. I felt it was important to make this decision, obviously always respecting all the players, but my only objective is to make Athletico win. I thought it was the best decision to make and that’s what happened,” said Varini.

Despite the decision, Nikão’s name was shouted timidly by the fans. Before the ball rolled, the chant was sung by the organized fans Os Fanáticos.

The two have not had a good relationship since 2022, when they worked together at Cruzeiro. At the time, Varini worked as an assistant to coach Paulo Pezzolano, who currently manages Valladolid, in Spain.

Athletico is preparing to face Criciúma next Sunday (22), at 6:30 pm, at the Heriberto Hülse stadium, for the 27th round of the Brasileirão. The tendency is for reserves to get an opportunity, as the club clings to the South American to win another title in the centenary year.

However, without winning for six rounds, Furacão needs to win to give it some breathing room and move away from the relegation zone. In addition, a defeat will cause the team to be overtaken by the team from Santa Catarina.

Athletico’s next games

• Criciúma x Athletico – Brazilian Championship – 22/09 (Sunday), at 6:30 pm – Heriberto Hülse stadium, in Criciúma
• Racing x Athletico – South American – 26/09 (Thursday), at 9:30 pm – Presidente Perón stadium, in Avellaneda
• Flamengo x Athletico – Brazilian Championship – 29/09 (Sunday), at 8pm – Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro
• Athletico x Botafogo – Brazilian Championship – 10/05 (Saturday), at 4:30 pm – Ligga Arena, in Curitiba
• Corinthians x Athletico – Brasileirão – no confirmed date