Valmor Zimermann, the man in the rearguard | Profile

fundamental athlete, Valmor Zimermann turns 81 this March 9th. The native of Santa Catarina from Xanxerê grew up in Francisco Beltrão. There, on short radio waves, he chose the 1958 champion Athletico as his passion without imagining that he would be one of the biggest names in the history of this century-old club.

A successful industrialist, Valmor was the only coach and center forward at Athletico. Besides, he did a little bit of everything. He was a counselor, director of amateur football, equity, finance and president of the Deliberative Council.

He was president of the club for two terms and was champion in 1985 and 1988. During his management, the club bought PAVOC, but it was also during this period that it was decided to leave Baixada in 1986.

Previously, Valmor had been one of the leaders of Retaguarda Atleticana, the movement of young businesspeople that kept Athletico alive when the scenario was one of loss of competitiveness, a cycle of defeats, zero cash flow, little expectation of revenue and deteriorated assets.

Valmor has often told the story that the spark was news from Tribuna saying that CAP didn’t train because it didn’t have money to wash the material. With his proverbial mustache, Valmor was the “vanguard of the rear” and alongside other Atletico cardinals, he promoted the moral and financial rehabilitation of the club in the market and in society.

“There was a time when Athletico lived on the stub of Valmor Zimermann’s checkbook”, defined Carneiro Neto.

Over time, the backroom staff left behind the scenes and began to hold positions at the club. Valmor knew a lot about football and the formation of great teams in history in 1982, 83, 85 and 88 passed through his hands. In 2001, he was football supervisor and played a decisive role in the Brazilian title campaign.

Highly respected by former players and contemporaries on the board, Valmor enjoys his retirement on the Santa Catarina coast. For having given much of his time, money and love to Athletico, he has the eternal respect of the red and black people.