Atlético Focused: Intense Preparation for the Challenge in Barcelona
Atlético de Madrid is already hard at work preparing for their crucial visit to Barça in Montjuïc. After an intense run of matches, the team is focused on the physical recovery of its players, although Simeone has not yet revealed his cards regarding the starting eleven.
In the preparatory session, the players who accumulated more than 45 minutes in the last league match, including Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Giuliano, De Paul, Llorente, Griezmann and Julián Álvarez, performed more regenerative work.
The rest of the squad focused on technical and physical circuits. Good news is the return of Pablo Barrios, after serving his sanction, although Koke Resurrección remains absent due to a muscular injury, adding to the absence of César Azpilicueta, also with discomfort.
The main unknown lies in whether Barrios will regain his place in the starting eleven or whether Llorente will maintain his place in midfield, after his outstanding performance in the victory against Valencia.
Another doubt is the tactical system, with the possibility of playing with five or four defenders, which will influence the alignment of Le Normand, Lenglet and Giménez. The final decision will depend on the strategy that Simeone considers most effective to face this important match. The pressing calendar, with crucial matches against Athletic and Real Madrid on the horizon, demands meticulous planning and optimal team performance.
