Alan Patrick barred in derby but set to start against Bahia
Midfielder was a substitute against Grêmio for tactical reasons and is expected to rejoin the starting XI amid a financial crisis.
Midfielder Alan Patrick became the focus of attention after being left out of Internacional's starting lineup in the derby against Grêmio in the Copa do Brasil. Coach Paulo Pezzolano's tactical decision to keep the player on the bench sparked internal debate about the team's direction. Now, the player is expected to return to the starting eleven to face Bahia, amid a financial crisis affecting the Colorado dressing room.
Barred for tactical reasons in the derby
In the goalless draw against Grêmio at Beira‑Rio, a quarter‑final match of the Copa do Brasil, Alan Patrick began the game on the bench. He and midfielder Bruno Henrique, who had been getting regular minutes, lost space to the introductions of Paulinho and Calebe. The tactical shift broke the more compact, transition‑focused structure the team had used against Corinthians.
Coach Paulo Pezzolano's justification
Internacional's technical staff explained that the changes were made purely for tactical reasons, with no individual issue concerning the midfielders. Pezzolano sought different physical and technical traits to boost the team's offensive presence. The coach detailed the choice: "I wanted to play with a target man; we needed a player inside the box. We wanted to change something to win."
Likely return to the starting XI against Bahia
For the clash with Bahia at Arena Fonte Nova in the Brazilian Championship, the expectation is that Alan Patrick will reclaim his spot among the starters. Coach Paulo Pezzolano is expected to field a full‑strength lineup. The probable formation includes: Matheus Cunha; Aguirre, Félix Torres, Maripan and Matheus Bahia; Villagra and Bruno Henrique; Vitinho, Carbonero, Alan Patrick and Bernabei.
Financial crisis and salary delays at Beira‑Rio
The match comes at a delicate moment off the field, marked by a players' protest after they refused to train for the previous derby due to delayed image‑rights payments. The club owes two image‑rights sheets, representing 50% of the athletes' remuneration, as well as installments of the 2025 thirteenth salary for some staff. President Alessandro Barcellos did not travel with the delegation to Salvador, staying in Porto Alegre to try to raise funds and settle debts estimated at at least R$ 12.5 million.
Pressure for results and relegation risk
Beyond the financial issues, Internacional is enduring a five‑game winless streak and faces the danger of slipping into the Brasileirão relegation zone. If they draw or lose to Bahia, the team could finish the round in the Z‑4 depending on results from rivals such as Mirassol, Remo and Vasco. The negative run heightens pressure on the squad ahead of the decisive Gre‑Nal second leg in the Copa do Brasil.
Information sourced from GE, GZH, Terra.
Source: ge, GZH, Terra