Atletico Madrid is gearing up for a crucial match against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Spanish La Liga, and the team’s coach Diego Simeone has identified the key factor behind his side’s recent improvement.
After a sluggish start to the season, Atletico has picked up the pace in recent weeks, winning their last three league games and drawing the one before that. This impressive run of form has helped them climb to second place in the table, just three points behind leaders Real Sociedad.
Read More: Emile Smith Rowe could leave Arsenal sooner than expected
Simeone believes that the team’s defensive solidity has been the main reason for their improvement. Atletico has conceded just two goals in their last five games, and Simeone says that his players are finally starting to understand the importance of defending as a team.
“The team has improved defensively because the players are working together, as a unit,” Simeone said in a recent press conference. “They are putting in the effort to defend as a team, and that is the key to our success.”
What did Diego Simeone say about his tactical plans?
Simeone’s tactical nous and ability to get the best out of his players have long been recognized, but this season has been a real test for him. Atletico lost several key players over the summer, including Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, and Diego Godin. The team struggled to find its rhythm in the early part of the season, but Simeone has gradually been able to rebuild the team and get them back to their best.
One player who has been instrumental in Atletico’s resurgence is Joao Felix. The young Portuguese forward arrive at the club in the summer for a fee of €126 million, and there were high expectations placed on his shoulders. He struggled to adapt to life in Spain initially, but he has found his feet in recent weeks and has scored four goals in his last five games.
Simeone has been impressed with Felix’s progress and says that he is a player with a lot of potentials.
Follow us on Twitter to get regular football updates.
