Under long-serving coach Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid has enjoyed a period of remarkable stability and success. However, the team is currently navigating a challenging phase with a mixed start to the season. While they managed to secure league wins against Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano, a tough Champions League opener against Liverpool, which ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat, highlighted some underlying issues. This has sparked discussions about the team’s current tactical identity and whether a new approach is needed.
Simeone, who masterfully led Atletico to LaLiga titles in 2014 and 2021 with two distinct playing styles, is once again at the drawing board. He faces the familiar task of reinventing his team to keep pace with rivals and get the best out of his current squad, which saw significant changes over the summer.
🏆 Two Titles, Two Different Styles
Simeone’s adaptability has been key to his long-term success. The 2014 championship team was a defensive powerhouse, built on a disciplined 4-4-2 formation. They were incredibly tough to break down, with a backline anchored by Diego Godin and an attack led by hardworking strikers like David Villa and Diego Costa. Seven years later, the 2021 title-winning squad showcased a more fluid and attacking style. Using a 3-5-2 system, the team focused on creating chances, with wing-back Kieran Trippier providing a steady supply of crosses for star striker Luis Suarez. These two victories prove that Simeone’s philosophy is not rigid; instead, he skillfully builds his strategy around the unique strengths of his key players.
🎯 Finding the Right Attacking Mix
Today, Atletico is looking to write a new chapter, and the primary focus is on building an attack that best supports the talented Julian Alvarez. The main challenge lies in finding the right combination of players around him. Veteran star Antoine Griezmann, now 34, still possesses immense quality, but his ideal role is under debate: is he a creative playmaker or a second striker? The team is also trying to integrate other forwards like Alexander Sorloth, whose height provides a valuable aerial threat, though he has often been used as a substitute. With new signings like Alex Baena and Thiago Almada expected to contribute once fit, Simeone has many options to consider. The ultimate goal is to create a fluid system that unleashes the full potential of Alvarez, who has already shown his scoring prowess.
🛡️ Shoring Up a Leaky Defence
For many years, Atletico was synonymous with a formidable defence, but that reputation has faded recently. The team has become surprisingly easy to score against, conceding goals regularly in both LaLiga and European competitions. Issues are present across the entire backline. The wing-back positions lack consistency, leaving space for opponents to exploit on the flanks. The poor form of Nahuel Molina on the right and injuries on the left have not helped. In the centre, the partnership of Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand is still a work in progress, and the team misses the stability of the past. These defensive frailties place a heavy burden on midfielders like Pablo Barrios and Koke, who must cover immense ground to protect their backline.
🤔 What’s the Path Forward?
The crucial question for Simeone is how to steer the ship. Should he double down on the defensive principles that brought success in 2014, or continue to embrace the more attacking freedom that defined the 2021 team? Finding the perfect balance between a solid defence and a dynamic attack is the team’s most pressing challenge. Simeone has a squad filled with talent, but arranging the pieces into a cohesive and winning formula is the ultimate test. The upcoming Madrid derby will serve as an important benchmark, revealing whether Atletico is on the right track to rediscovering its elite form.
