Barbieri rejects ‘rescue’ of relegated players

The technician Mauricio Barbieri countered the term “rescuing” the players marked by relegation on the centenary of the Athletico. The midfielder Bruno Zapelli and the attacker Lucas Di Yoriofor example, were booed by the fans when the lineup was announced, but they performed excellently in the rout of Rio Branco.

“The word rescue, for me, is not cool or cool. I told them, before the [jogo contra o Paraná [Clube]that everyone arrived at this club, which is huge, on merit. They deserved it and what happened afterwards doesn’t interest me. Whether it was used little or much. What I have to value is what they do on a daily basis. They have dedicated themselves and demonstrated potential. That’s why they’re having opportunities and that’s the way I intend to take it,” said the coach.

“I understand, but I want to forget what happened because it won’t help anything. I’ll say it again: they got here because they have quality and ability”, he added.

In two games, Barbieri placed eight remaining 2024. Mycael, Belezi, Fernando, Felipinho, João Cruz, Cuello, Zapelli and Di Yorio. It is worth noting that Belezi lost his starting spot to Matheus Felipe against Rio Branco and Cuello was left out because he was in advanced negotiations with Atlético-MG.

We will have a great Zapelli this year, guarantees Barbieri

Promising midfielder Bruno Zapelli has been closely monitored by the Athletico coach. Barbieri made a point of praising the Argentine player’s attitude.

“I’ve been talking to Bruno. He’s a player who has a lot of potential. All he needed was a goal today. He made very good plays. Maybe it hasn’t stuck in my memory, but how many times did Bruno come back to score… In the first half already I was close to breaking his record for distance traveled”, highlighted the red-black commander.

“The aim is to calm him down and that things will happen. He is growing and I’m sure we will see a great Bruno Zapelli this year”, added the coach.

Leader of the Paraná Championship, Athletico prepares to face Azuriz. The game, valid for the third round, is scheduled for next Saturday (17), at 4pm, at the Os Pioneiros stadium, in Pato Branco.