Atlético Mineiro has announced the dismissal of coach Jorge Sampaoli following a poor start to the 2026 season, where the team has only managed to gain two points from three matches. The final straw came after a 3-3 draw with newly promoted Remo, leaving the team in 14th place in the Brasileirao and perilously close to the relegation zone. Contributing to Sampaoli's departure were not just the results but also reported conflicts with key players such as Hulk.

This decision marks the end of Sampaoli's tenure, which has been under scrutiny since the 2018 World Cup where he led the Argentine national team to an underwhelming performance. His time at Atlético Mineiro showcased persistent struggles, including significant disagreements with influential players and ongoing controversies that have distracted the squad on the field.

The timing of this move places the club in a precarious situation as they search for a new head coach to navigate the remainder of the season, with just two points from their opening three fixtures. The management's quick decision reflects the high expectations within Brazilian football, where coaches are often held to strict performance standards, and emphasizes the challenge Sampaoli faced after the past few years of disappointing outcomes since his World Cup exit.