Atletico Madrid are preparing for their Champions League return on Thursday, taking on RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano. This match is crucial for the team, who are looking to get a positive result in Europe's top competition. However, coach Diego Simeone's latest decision has left striker Alex Sorloth in a difficult position, as everything points to him starting the match on the bench.
Simeone Opts for a Different Duo
Expectancy was high for Sorloth since his arrival at Atlético. With his imposing physique and skills in the goal area, he was expected to be able to contribute a lot to Atlético's offense. However, Simeone's tactical decisions have prevented the player from being in the starting lineup for the match against Leipzig. Instead, Cholo has decided to go with the forward couple of Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann.
This decision reflects Simeone's ongoing quest to find the perfect balance in his team. Even though Sorloth has stood out before, the coach seems to prefer a line-up that he believes could offer greater versatility. The German side are known for their fast and physical style of play, which requires an appropriate tactical response.
The situation is further complicated by the absences in the squad. Pablo Barrios will not return until the next international break, and Thomas Lemar has not played for over a year. This has led Simeone to adjust his formation and make changes to the starting eleven. The entry of Rodrigo Riquelme as a left-back and the move of Samuel Lino to the centre of the field are part of these modifications.
He will Hope to be Essential from the Bench
Sorloth will be forced to wait for his chance on the bench, where he will be joined by other players such as Angel Correa and Giuliano. This situation could affect his confidence, as forwards live off goals and minutes on the field. For a player like Sorloth, the lack of time on the field can be discouraging, especially at a club that demands so much from its players.
However, football is an unpredictable sport and opportunities can arise at any time. Sorloth must remain prepared and mentally strong, as Simeone might need his input during the match, especially if things do not go as expected. A player's ability to adapt and respond to the coach's decisions is crucial in a team that aspires to compete for major trophies.