Atletico Madrid manager Gregorio Manzano rotating squad to good effect – La Liga Special
Gregorio Manzano has been given the enviable task to get Atletico back in UEFA Champions League. The manager lost three of the best player’s previous incumbent Quique Sanchez Flores had at his disposal. He has added players to the roster but they do not
match in quality. To make up for the deficiency the former Sevilla manager is rotating his squad, reaping the benefits of competition for places.
All the members of the squad have taken part in the season thus far, a total of 22 players making their season debuts in the first month after the culmination of summer transfer window. With the club adding twelve new faces to their roster this is a clever
technique employed by Manzano to keep everyone on guard.
The loaded calendar has meant that the technician will continue with his endeavours over the course of the season. Atletico are taking part in the UEFA Europa League alongside their participation in the hectic Primera Division.
His actions have set a very good precedent in the dressing room. Everyone is optimistic about their chances with the first team and continuously trying to impress the manager to gain minutes on the pitch. No one has a guarantee to be on the pitch in every
match, except record signing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Radamel-Falcao-c30276 and shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois.
In the goal http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Joel-Robles-c18739 has to contend with a place on the pitch.
Joel can boast of first team minutes though, playing in the qualifying matches of Europa League. This leaves injury prone http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-c33030 Asengo as one of two players who have yet to start their campaigns in the current season.
The defence has improved a lot since last year and this season’s signings are augmenting well with the squad. Portuguese defender Silvio and Columbian international Luis Amaranto Perea have been juggled around to make full use of their abilities.
Silvio is favoured when the tactician favouring attack while Perea coming in to strengthen the defence. Mario Suarez has also been utilized due to cope up with the fixture schedules. However the midfielder has played most of his games in his favoured defensive
midfielder mould.
Last season’s mainstay, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paulo-c29431 Assuncao has seen his first team opportunities reduced. The Brazilian midfielder has played just two games since returning from injury. He will be looking to retain his place in the midfield as he regains match fitness.
While Falcao has started all the games he has been available to play in, so has fellow new-recruit http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Diego-c11058. With the Brazilian struggling with injuries he has only been available for three matches but will be back in action after the international break.
Arda Turan, Mario Suarez and Jose Antonio Reyes have the most matches under their belt, with six appearances apiece. However, returning academy graduate http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gabi-c14252 has clocked the most minutes on the pitch for Los Rojiblancos.
Atletico have started their domestic campaign smoothly, with the match at Camp Nou against Barcelona being the only hiccup. They have won all of their matches in Europe comprehensively and should be looking forward to the knockout rounds.
With only two players injured it is a proof that Manzano’s tactics of squad rotation are working. Contrasting this with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 and we find as many as six players injured. Manzano has the option of a full squad and knows that if someone slips someone will
take his place. The manager will continue to rotate his squad and this should bring favourable results by the end of the season.
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