Atletico Madrid and Gregorio Manzano
in a mini-crisis – La Liga Special
Atletico Madrid were flying high before the visited Camp Nou. The 5-0 thumping Gregorio Manzano’s team received at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 has severely jolted their progress in league. Their run of play has been distorted since then, and the capital club
is bereft of inspiration. Unimpressive displays in the last three matches have unsettled the fans, as a mini-crisis brew at Vicente Calderon.
Los Rojiblancos started their La Liga campaign inauspiciously. A goalless draw against un-fancied Osasuna was followed by an away loss to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Radamel-Falcao-c30276 came to their rescue in the ensuing matches, scoring five in two to give a succession of four
goal victories.
With a decent run of results, Manzano’s charges went to Camp Nou in high spirits. However, they returned to Madrid suffering an emphatic. Since then, they seem to have lost the plot, and have been unimpressive in their outings.
Two goalless draws against Sevilla and Granada point towards the glaring problems with Los Rojiblancos. However, the manager has called for patience to allow the team recover from their jitters.
The recent run of form is the worst since the start of 2005-06 season. Furthermore, they are six points off UEFA Champions League qualification after only seven games. However, their performances in Europe have been satisfying as they enjoy pole position
in their Europa League group.
Following their awful domestic performances, Atleti faithful have begun to question the clubs preferences. The departed duo of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vicente-c36001 Calderon. Adding to the woes of fans, Gregorio Manzano’s
constant squad rotation is not sitting well with the fans.
Rotation of squad personnel every other game has meant that the players are unable to achieve a level of consistency much needed to perform at the highest levels. As a result, Atletico have been unable to put together a consistent string of performances,
failing to fulfil their footballing potential.
In addition to their hectic domestic schedule, participation in Europa League is adding to their woes. Atletico have travelled to Drammen (http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899
and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Scotland-c756. These tough mid-week fixtures are taking their toll on the player’s performances in La Liga.
Los Rojiblancos have to turn things upside down as they seem to be losing the plot. The goals have dried up with Atletico last scoring close to a month ago. Impotency of forwards is off the hook and Atletico should be aware that these kind of displays are
seriously denting their Champions League aspirations.
They have failed to break down the defences of Osasuna, Sevilla and Granada. With the exception of the Seville based club, their other two adversaries have a history of leaking backlines.
Furthermore, the imbalance in the squad is getting visible with every outing. Mario Suarez’s manners are excellent but his pace is too slow and is inefficient at accelerating the tempo of the match. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tiago-c35032 has been performing well, but goes missing in games.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gabi-c14252 has shown that he can command the area, but does not have the creative impulse to usher his team to formidable attacks.
Gregorio Manzano has praised the excellent defensive performance of his team. They have conceded in two matches, and have kept a clean sheet on five occasions. Los Rojiblancos have done a great http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 defensively; however, their prowess in front of goal is
hurting them.
If Atletico harbours any dreams of participating in the lucrative Champions League, they will have to start getting the results. In their next games, they face a rejuvenated Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao. Failure to produce results is an option they have
run out off.
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