Rafael Menin steps away from the daily management of Atlético-MG; Pedro Daniel takes over operations

Acionista, majority owner of Sociedade Anônima of Futebol (SAF) of Atlético-MG, Rafael Menin announced this Thursday (30) his departure from the daily operations of the Minas Gerais club. The decision was communicated through a video on its official social networks. Esse’s move marks a significant transition in the management structure. Pedro Daniel, current CEO of the team, will assume full responsibility for the executive command of Galo, ensuring the continuity of ongoing projects.

Menin justified the movement by the growing and urgent need for its presence at MRV. The company, of which he is CEO and main responsible, demands total dedication. Ele reiterated, however, that it will remain active in the most crucial discussions and deliberations for the future of Alvinegro, maintaining its strategic influence on important decisions. The announcement reflects a carefully planned internal restructuring, focused on optimizing management resources in both ventures.

🚨 AGORA!

Rafael Menin anuncia afastamento do dia a dia operacional do Atlético: “Por uma necessidade maior da minha presença na MRV”, relata.

A condução das decisões executivas e da rotina operacional está agora sob responsabilidade do CEO Pedro Daniel.

📸 Pedro Souza pic.twitter.com/CByTiDXZJp

— 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗼 (@InfoGalo_) April 30, 2026

Menin explains the need for separation and transition

In his detailed statement, Rafael Menin emphasized the intensity and depth of his participation in recent years in Atlético’s ambitious project. “I want to be direct and transparent. Over the last few years, I have followed Atlético very closely, intensely and daily, actively participating in most of the decisions and construction of this exciting project,” stated the businessman. Este deep and constant engagement, as explained, demanded an almost uninterrupted presence in the club’s daily life, now redefined to allow greater focus on other priorities.

The departure from day-to-day athletic operations, explained Menin, is an imperative necessity for MRV Engenharia and Participações S.A., one of the largest construction companies in Brasil. The company requires your full attention and strategic leadership. Especialmente, this is due to market challenges and great opportunities for expansion in the real estate sector. The transition, therefore, aims to balance your responsibilities in both highly complex and impactful positions.

With the arrival and consolidation of Pedro Daniel in the management team, the operational and administrative part of the club will now be managed entirely by him. Menin publicly reinforced its full confidence in the CEO’s ability to lead the administrative and financial direction of Galo. The expectation is that Daniel will maintain the institution’s professionalization trajectory.

Pedro Daniel assumes operational leadership and club goals

Atlético-MG officially confirmed Rafael Menin’s departure through a post on their digital platforms. The communication also highlighted the elevation of Pedro Daniel’s status in the executive structure. The club highlighted the importance of continuity in leadership and the implementation of continuous improvements. The main focus remains on building a robust and transparent management model for the future.

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Sob the executive baton of Daniel, Galo has implemented significant improvements in its internal operations, seeking to modernize and optimize processes. Essas strategic initiatives aim to decisively strengthen financial discipline and seek greater efficiency in all areas of the club, from grassroots to professional football. The primary goal is to sustain an increasingly competitive Atlético on the field, while remaining balanced and financially healthy off the field, a fundamental pillar for long-term success.

The new configuration of Atlético-MG’s executive management emphatically reinforces the commitment to a professionalized structure focused on results. Pedro Daniel will have the complex mission of continuing ongoing projects and implementing new strategies. Ele will need to ensure not only sporting performance, but also the club’s economic sustainability. The expectation is that this exclusive day-to-day leadership will bring even more agility in decision-making and an unwavering focus on institutional objectives.

Histórico criticism and recent results impact management

Rafael Menin directly addressed the frequent and sometimes harsh criticism received from fans during the released video. Desde that his family took control of Sociedade Anônima from Futebol (SAF) in 2023, Atlético-MG faced several results on the field that generated deep dissatisfaction. The fans expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in important and expected competitions, such as national and continental championships, over the last few seasons.

Entre the negative results that caused the most frustration include runners-up in Copa of Brasil and in CONMEBOL Libertadores, both recorded in 2024. The following year, in 2025, the club suffered another runner-up, this time in CONMEBOL Sul-Americana, complementing a sporting scenario of frustration. Adicionalmente, performance at Campeonato Brasileiro was consistently below expectations by fans and management for two consecutive years, increasing concerns and pressure on management.

Menin acknowledged the validity of some of these criticisms, demonstrating an understanding of fan passion. However, he vehemently disagreed with others, especially those he considered disproportionate or off-topic in the debate. “I know the criticism I receive, I understand many of them, I disagree with some, especially when they are out of line or become disproportionate, but it’s part of it, it’s life,” declared the businessman in his video. Ele also reiterated its firm belief that “a lot of good things have been done and are being done and will continue to be done,” highlighting the overall positive trajectory of the SAF project and the investments made.

Próximos Galo clashes keep focus on the season

Mesmo With the significant changes in the executive management structure, the focus of the professional cast and technical committee of Atlético-MG remains unwavering on the upcoming matches. The team has an extremely busy schedule ahead, with decisive games in different competitions that will require maximum concentration and performance. The incessant search for good results is crucial for the club at this time of administrative transition and renewal.

The immediate challenges include state classics and international clashes that will rigorously test the team’s resilience, technical and tactical capacity on the field. The fans, despite the management issues and recent results, have a strong expectation for victories and consistent performances. Esses triumphs are seen as essential to reversing the history of frustrations and consolidating the club among the main clubs in the country and the continent, honoring the black and white tradition.

• Cruzeiro (Fora): 02/05, 9pm (from Brasília) – Brasileirão
• Juventud (Fora): 05/05, 7pm (from Brasília) – CONMEBOL Sul-Americana
• Botafogo (Casa): 05/10, 4pm (from Brasília) – Brasileirão