BELLO HORIZONTE, Brazil — Atlético Mineiro continue to disappoint their fans, suffering a fourth consecutive loss in the Campeonato Brasileiro after a 2-0 defeat to Santos at Vila Belmiro on April 16. With only two points from two draws and two losses, the team remains at the bottom of the league standings.
After the match, midfielder Bernard spoke with the press about the team’s struggles. “Today was a completely different game compared to previous matches in the league. We couldn’t create many opportunities and were careless in our defense,” he said. Bernard emphasized the need for the team to concentrate and stay focused moving forward. “We need to wake up, start scoring points, and relieve the pressure we are feeling in the competition,” he added.
Bernard also addressed the impact of poor results on the team’s morale. “Criticism is normal; we are at a big club that aims to be at the top of the table. We didn’t perform well today, and when we had chances, we failed to capitalize on them. That was evident in the matches we’ve played,” he noted. He called for a renewed effort as the team prepares for their upcoming fixture against Botafogo in Belo Horizonte.
“We need to focus, concentrate, and be ready for the next games. This Sunday, we have another challenging match at home, and we need our fans’ support,” Bernard urged.
Striker Hulk also shared his thoughts on the internal pressure following the defeat. “We know the accountability that comes with playing here. If you don’t win, expect to be questioned. We need to win, and I hope that happens in the next game at home,” Hulk stated.
He further commented on the coaching staff’s expectations, saying, “Every coach will demand results when the team isn’t performing well. The manager will always be the first to call for improvement. We started as the team that created the most chances, but today was atypical; we lost control of the game. In the second half, we managed some progress but were not as aggressive as in previous matches. We have a strong squad and a good coach, so we need to keep working hard.”
Hulk concluded, stating, “Football has its ups and downs, but we must not get discouraged. We need to keep our heads up, focus on the next game, and aim for victory.”
Atlético will return to the field on Sunday, April 20, to face Botafogo at Mineirão Stadium at 4 p.m.
