Atletico Madrid manager focused on two key areas in training ahead of Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to take on Atletico Madrid this weekend, in what would be a must-win encounter for the home side.

The Catalans have dropped multiple points in recent weeks, thus allowing Real Madrid and Atleti to plug the gap at the top.

Flick’s men, therefore, cannot afford another mishap. On the flip side, Atleti coach Diego Simeone is equally keen on taking three points and moving to the top of the league table, as they end 2024.

Simeone’s gameplan ahead of Barcelona clash

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered key insights into how Simeone is preparing for the Barcelona clash.

Simeone has already conducted an intense training session in Majadahonda, focusing on both defensive solidity and offensive strategy.

The session was vital as Atletico have yet to secure a victory against Barcelona in their previous 17 meetings in Catalonia.

Can Simeone crack the code against Barcelona? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

On the defensive front, Simeone’s strategy was clear and concise. He instructed his backline to concentrate on shutting down the central areas, preventing Barcelona’s key striker, Robert Lewandowski, from receiving the ball.

The aim is to block Barcelona’s offensive movements by ensuring that the midfield is tightly closed, thereby limiting the space for Barcelona’s creative players to operate.

How Simeone is planning to tackle Flick’s high press

Simultaneously, Simeone has devised tactics to navigate out of Barcelona’s notorious high press.

His approach involves utilizing long balls to bypass the first line of pressure, followed by organizing swift counter-attacks down the flanks.

This strategy is intended to exploit the spaces left by Barcelona’s often advanced defensive line, aiming to catch them off-guard and create scoring opportunities.

It must be noted that several La Liga teams, of late, have been able to navigate through Barcelona’s tight press. Whether or not Simeone’s Atleti can repeat the formula remains to be seen.