Atlanta United talks unity, but numbers say collapse is coming | OneFootball

Atlanta United arrives in Ohio lean on paper but powerful in words. In spite of eight absences and a rested, well-stocked FC Cincinnati on the other hand, the mood in the team is focused, not desperate. Ronny Deila wants a tight, disciplined group with a message: just because they're held together with stitches doesn't mean they'll be simple to defeat. And although the victories have yet to materialize, the performance, according to them, is headed in a direction soon to be realized.

Missing pieces, same mindset

Not every team can lose nearly a whole starting lineup in an international window and still have their direction. But Deila insists the game plan doesn't change. Whoever is on the pitch will be told the same thing.

"Those are Ronny's simple requirements," said Alexey Miranchuk. "First of all, just be 100% all the time. Stay together."

Charlotte FC v Atlanta United | Jacob Kupferman/GettyImages

The rule is: no freelancing. Every player needs to know precisely what they're doing.

That stability may seem elementary, but rather than lamenting the absence of it, Deila perceives opportunity.

What's the good news and the positive is that we've got to make use of other players, and they now get a chance to show what they can do," he said. "[It's] a chance now to bring more players to the team who are able to do the job."

Unsettled backline, uncertain midfield

With several names out on the right side of the defense, the coach has two primary questions in mind: who plays the right center back position, and who plays the middle of midfield? Derrick Williams will likely hold down the left side, but the right side is open. Can someone from Atlanta United 2 do the job on a short-term contract? Even better, maybe a fullback like Matt Edwards or Ronald Hernández does the trick?

In midfield, the jigsaw puzzle is even greater. The two who solved the first games, Slisz and Fortune, are missing, and so is Klich who is also doubtful. That opens the doors for the young ones like Adyn Torres and Will Reilly. They may not stand out, but they could thrive under the pressure of not needing to produce top level.

Same system, tested format

A change to a back three is a possibility. That would shelter the inexperienced defenders and push up Amador and Lennon on the wings. But don't expect anything earth-shattering.

"Tactical things, attacking things, defensive things, they don't change," Miranchuk was adamant. "It doesn't matter who is playing, who is coming in, they'll know what to do."

Atlanta United v Inter Miami CF | Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Deila keeps banging the process home. To him, it is preparation, not points.

"When you have been in soccer long enough, you understand you can't control results, you can control performances," he said. And that's where the team finds itself: consistent training, forbearance on the pitch, and trust in the method.

No shortcut for attacking chemistry

If there is one flaw in this Atlanta team, it's the front line. The goals dried up after a strong opener. Don't be fooled, however: they are creating. Far from it: the xG (expected goals) for the team ranks sixth highest in the league at 6.54. The xG to actual goals gap is -0.63, third worst in MLS. Translation: they're creating chances, the ball just won't go in.

"We're doing it," Miranchuk replied. "We discuss it constantly, like, where you want to go, where you want to receive the ball, how you want to receive the ball, and all those little things."

The squad is coming together, even if the finishing flair remains elusive. And that flair is within sight: "We're creating some moments in these four games," he added.

Expectations vs. reality

Atlanta buzzed at the start of the season. Almirón's return, big-name signings, and the excitement of a rebuilt team. But the wins didn't follow. And that stings.

New York Red Bulls v Atlanta United FC | Steve Dinberg/ISI Photos/GettyImages

"I understand that at the start everyone was eager to see us [score] three, four goals right away," Miranchuk said. "But sometimes it doesn't happen like this."

It's not a defensive position, it's honest. They know they can give more. And they also know that they're on the cusp of breaking through.

The FC Cincinnati test

And then there's FC Cincinnati. A team on the rise, unbeaten at home, and off a rare full week of training. The perfect script for the home team, and a tough test for a team walking on thin ice.

Nevertheless, Deila also perceives what is seen by many as a threat to be an opportunity.

"[If] we get a good result there, we light the whole place up," he said. "We love to win. This is a big opportunity for us."

It's a bold declaration. This is not just a game. This is akin to an emotional crossroads moment for a team that has yet to find its footing in 2025.