Atletico Madrid system shift paying dividends in the final stages of the season

Originally posted on Football Espana | By Ruairidh Barlow | Last updated 5/6/24

Atletico Madrid finally look a little more secure at the back again, after long stretches of the season having been shaky and unreliable. It has not gone unnoticed that the very thing that Diego Simeone’s sides became famous for were the thing causing them more trouble than anything else.

As highlighted by Diario AS , Saturday’s win over Real Mallorca was their first match recording a clean sheet in 13 games, three months after their previous shutout. Not to mention the fact that it is just their second away win of 2024.

#AtleticoMadrid finally secured a clean sheet for the first time in 13 matches over the weekend. (Diario AS) pic.twitter.com/HFhiuU1Gli

— Football España (@footballespana_) May 6, 2024

That change has been attributed to tweak made by Simeone, switching from a 5-3-2 with Antoine Griezmann accompanied by a number nine, normally Alvaro Morata, to a 5-4-1 with Griezmann the furthest forward on many occasions. The idea being that the two central players behind Griezmann, in the last two weeks Marcos Llorente and Angel Correa, with one of them attacking the space in behind the defence, another coming short, and Griezmann having space to move.

At the back the extra security provided by another midfielder has also helped, and Atletico looked much better against Mallorca. Simeone made the change after a frustrating defeat to Alaves away from home, and had it not been for an errant ball from Griezmann against Athletic Club, they may well be savouring a second straight clean sheet.

First contacts for Antoine Griezmann’s contract renewal have taken place. His salary will be increased, and he will stay at the club until he deems it appropriate. There will be no problem reaching an agreement.

[: @AS_Picu, @diarioas] pic.twitter.com/ko0NyuMMNM

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) May 6, 2024

It remains to be seen whether this will be a permanent alteration, or a temporary shift. With Alvaro Morata out of form, following a single goal in 18 appearances, and Memphis Depay injured, it’s understandable that Simeone has decided to move away from a system relying on a number nine primarily. There is uncertainty over Atletico’s forward line going into the summer too, and he might be adapting on the fly come July as well.

The post Atletico Madrid system shift paying dividends in the final stages of the season appeared first on Football España.

This article first appeared on Football Espana and was syndicated with permission.

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