Marcelo Paz does not rule out taking over as coach of Atletico

The name of Marcelo Paz, CEO of Fortaleza, is gaining power behind the scenes at Atletico. In fact, the director is emerging as the main target to take over as CEO of SAF do Galo. Bruno Mozzi, the current coach, will leave the club next December. In direct contact with the “Fala Gallo” portal, Paz did not close the doors of the Minas Gerais club, but he was diplomatic and preferred to postpone any talk about the future. The reason is Fortaleza’s desperate battle against relegation.

The director was keen to praise the sports structure.

Paz said: “All respect to Atletico Mineiro, which is a great club. I was there recently, in an amazing stadium.”

He also referred to Gallo’s board: “Very serious people who have personal successes and carry that to the club.”

However, he immediately put an end to the speculation:

“I do not want to address this issue, as it does not fit my focus and my entire priority is Fortaleza… When the year ends, we will see what will be done.”

Marcelo Paz wants to continue focusing on Fortaleza

Marcelo Paz’s warning is completely understandable. After all, Fortaleza is witnessing the drama of the Brazilian tournament. Leao Du Bisse currently ranks nineteenth with only 31 points, and is struggling hard to remain in the elite. Therefore, the coach’s focus is 100% on saving the club from falling into the final rounds. Only after that will he evaluate other proposals, including that of Atletico, who are looking for a big name to replace Mozzi at the end of the season.

Marcelo Paz’s CV justifies Atletico’s interest. The manager, after all, is primarily responsible for Fortaleza’s historic rise. He took over as president in 2017 and took the club out of Series C. Since then, it has won a Series B (2018), five straight state championships and three Northeast Cups. Furthermore, he led the team to a fourth-place finish in the 2021 Brazilian League and three consecutive Copa Libertadores appearances. Financially, Leon has also become a powerhouse, with record revenue reaching R$370 million in 2023, the highest in the history of the Northeast.

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