In their Champions League matchup against Atlético Madrid, FC Bayern must prepare for an opponent that clearly doesn’t just want to play defense. Ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup, coach Diego Simeone offered a remarkable glimpse into his tactical thinking. The Argentine surprised everyone with his vision for an attacking approach.
Under Simeone, Atlético has been known for years for its compact defense, aggressive tackling, and tactical discipline. Against Munich, however, the club from the Spanish capital could try to take the initiative itself and put the German record champions under pressure early on.
At the pre-match press conference, Simeone was asked whether his team would focus primarily on a solid defense or try to challenge Bayern for control of the game. His answer was unusually offensive in nature, even though the 55-year-old subsequently acknowledged the limitations of this approach.
Simeone Wants to Put Pressure on Bayern Early On
“Ideally, I’d like us to attack for 80 minutes and leave the last 10 minutes to them so they can come at us for a while,” Simeone explained.
The Atlético coach made it clear that he wants his team to play with courage. Instead of relying solely on defensive stability, his players should take control of the game themselves as much as possible. “I want us to press them high up the field, for the team to combine well and form triangular plays, and for us to score a goal after 20 passes,” Simeone said, describing his ideal scenario.
With this, the Argentine is hinting that Atlético doesn’t just want to threaten Munich with quick counterattacks.
However, Simeone also knows that such a plan will be difficult to execute for the entire duration of the match against the German record champions.
Simeone warns of Bayern’s aggressive pressing
“But the reality is different, and tomorrow we’ll have to deal with whatever the game throws at us as soon as it starts,” the Atlético coach clarified.
Simeone has particular respect for the intensity with which Bayern plays after losing possession. “We’re facing a strong, powerful team, and of course we’ll have to get through some difficult phases and tough moments where we’ll have to play our way out of their press, because they’re very good at applying pressure immediately after losing the ball.”
Counter-pressing is one of the central elements of Munich’s style of play under Vincent Kompany. By quickly regaining possession, Bayern often manages to nip opposing attacks in the bud.
Simeone therefore expects a match in which his team will have to find the right balance between attacking boldness and defensive discipline.
For FC Bayern, it will be crucial to assert themselves even against an Atlético side that may press high up the field.
After two recent draws in the Champions League against Viking Stavanger and Arsenal, the Munich team is looking to secure another victory in Madrid.