After the 4-0 defeat to San Pablo (with three goals from Argentina's Jonathan Calleri), Atlético Paranaense decided to leave coach Alberto Valentim, even if it was Brasileirao's first date. Immediately, the club appointed as its replacement, at least on an interim basis (although with the chance of being confirmed as official coach) Argentine Luis González. The former midfielder, idol of the institution, served as a member of the Technical Committee of the cast's football area, in addition to acting as an assistant field. However, he lasted only 24 hours in the alternate bench.
Paranaense had an urgency to hold Lucho in office: on Thursday he hosts The Sttongest for the second date of the Copa Libertadores group stage (he equaled 0-0 against Caracas in the debut), and on Sunday he will be home against Atlético Mineiro, for the main Brazilian competition. But he didn't make it.
“Atlético reports that, due to the departure of coach Alberto Valentim, second coach Lucho González requested his departure from the club. Lucho's decision was announced on Monday morning,” highlighted the statement published on his Twitter account.
“The club appreciates all the work and dedication of Lucho González during the period in which he served as an athlete and as a member of the coaching staff. Atlético wishes him success in the continuation of his career”, concluded the writing.
After retiring in May 2021, Lucho had returned to Paranaense in January, to fill a new role. It is a moment of happiness, of joy, it is to be able to return to my home. It's a place where I was treated wonderfully, a place where I like to be. I am identified with the ideas of the club, the projects, the fans... the only word I can say is happiness”, he had said when his return was consummated.
But this stage was short-lived. The results led to the farewell of Valentim and González, despite the opportunity in the making, chose to follow his path. The former Huracán, River and the Argentine national team became legend of Paranaense, where he won two South American Cups, a Suruga Bank, a Paranaense championship and a Brazil Cup.
Tiago Nunes, who managed to lead the team to two titles with Lucho as a player, and Gabriel Heinze, appear on the list of candidates in the face of the curious situation.
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