Athletico won the Andraus 3–1 in the seventh round of the Paranaense Championship, but victory did not convince him. More than celebrating the three points, the game left a bitter taste and raised questions about the performance of the team commanded by Mauricio Barbieri. Despite the favorable score, Hurricane showed weaknesses that, if not corrected, can compromise the campaign in the competition and, mainly, in the Brazilian Championship Series B, where the club seeks access.
The game began with a quick goal of Athletico, which could suggest a quiet match. However, what was seen was a team that seemed accommodated, without the intensity needed to dominate an opponent who is technically far from being one of the best in Paranaense. Andraus, who did not win any games in the championship, grew up in the game and pressed Athletico, exposing flaws in the ball exit, in the construction of plays and decreases the score even in the first half.
The second goal of Athletico, scored at the end of the first half, came in an isolated bid, which after a throw the ball remains with Luiz Fernando who sees the hole in defense and kicks to goal. The third goal, already in the second half, was the result of a well-built move, but that did not reflect the performance of the team as a whole.
Lack of intensity and tactical problems
What worries most is not the result itself, but the way the Athletic achieved this victory. The team showed difficulties in dealing with the pressure of Andraus, an opponent who, in theory, should be more easily dominated. The ball exit, which should be a strength of Barbieri's team, was inconsistent. In a few moments, Athletico managed to break the first line of pressure, but most of the game, the team seemed lost, with no clear ideas to advance in the opposing field.
Another point that draws attention is the lack of intensity. The Athletico seemed to play at a pace below what was needed, as if victory was guaranteed after the starting goal. This attitude is worrying, especially in a state championship, where competitiveness should be greater. The Andraus, even with a limited cast, showed more claw and disposition at various moments of the match.
Barbieri and the challenge of rebuilding Athletico
It is important to remember that Mauricio Barbieri has only been in charge of Athletico for a month and has already faced seven games in this period. Coach is still meeting the cast and trying to implement his ideas, but time is short. The breakup suffered by the club in the last year, with the departure of 24 players, makes the work even more difficult. The arrival of 12 reinforcements was not enough to replace the lost parts, and the team still lacks an experienced quarterback, a quality steering wheel and a fast tip.
Barbieri has shown a path, with a team that seeks to be intense and electric, but there is still much to be adjusted. Chance creation has been positive in some games, but the lack of efficiency and difficulty in dealing with teams that push higher are problems that need to be solved. In addition, the defense has been vulnerable in stopped balls, a point that needs immediate attention.
Patience as an Ally
Despite the criticism, we need to be calm. Barbieri's work is still early, and charging immediate results may be unfair. Athletico needs time to evolve and find the consistency needed to fight for access to Series A. The club management also has its share of responsibility, since the transfer market has not yet been explored as it should. Strategic hirings are essential to give the cast more quality and allow the coach to run his project more smoothly.
A vitória sobre o Andraus, mesmo que culposa, mantém o Athletico na briga pelo título do Paranaense. No entanto, o que importa agora não é o resultado em si, mas a evolução do time dentro de campo. O caminho é longo, e o torcedor precisa ter paciência. O ano de 2025 não pode repetir os erros de 2024, e a continuidade do trabalho de Barbieri pode ser a chave para um futuro mais promissor. Mas, para isso, é preciso mais do que palavras de apoio: é necessário respaldo no mercado e tempo para que as ideias do treinador floresçam.
