Champions League Knockouts (12 Aug - 23rd Aug)

German teams are incredibly lucky that their leagues ended so early. They‘re much more rested. I just can‘t take the remaining CL and EL campaigns seriously under such circumstances.

More rested but also out of routine.
And based on this PSG and Lyon have an even bigger advantage.
 
Can't deny what Simeone has achieved at Atletico but some of their players suffer badly under his style. I think the likes of Saul and Koke have more to their games than they usually get to show. Lemar made a mistake going their too. Hope Felix won't regret it in the end.

It's also why I'd really like us to go for Partey who has another level in him in my opinion.
 
Would Poulsen get a game for a midtable Premier League club? Seems to have nothing about him.
 
Think Atletico are a shadow of the team they used to be, and rely more on the 'dark arts' to scramble their way through games.

Remember feeling they were much easier on the eye with the likes of Gabi, Griezmann, Felipe Luis, Juanfran about 5/6 years ago when they were reaching finals and won the league.

But you're right, they're hard to watch these days, and I think Simeone knows they have to rely more on being nasty, cynical and gritty to win at all costs.

Yes, that's true. In 2014 they were pretty balanced and strong. I enjoyed a lot watching them.

Now they are definitely much worse.
 
We overrate midtable PL sides on here. Burnley would get rinsed at this level

Funny you mention that, I think if they had one of Burnley's potato heads up there, they'd have an outlet. As it is, Poulsen seems like a half a decent midfielder playing as a striker, with nothing to offer.

edit: a bit harsh.
 
Why is Nagelsmann doing nothing about Felix when it's clear all of Atleticos moves recently has come through him? He's in acres of the space constantly.
 
Look very nervy Leipzig now.

Atletico can win this If they keep playing the way they are now which is on the front foot
 
You guys have to be favourites to reach the final. Neymar and Mmbape will run riot against either of these. When are Di Maria and Veratti back?

Mbappe and Di Maria in the starting 11
Verratti won't be ready and Navas is injured now

You will probably see

---------------- Icardi
-------------------------- Mbappe
Neymar------ -------------------------------- Di Maria
--------------- Gueye ----- Marquinhos
Bernat------ Kimpembe ---- Thiago Silva ------ Kehrer
--------------------- Rico

Injured Verratti Navas


Meunier left the club for Dortmund
Cavani free agent
 
What about Emil Forsberg? I recall him being very highly talked, now he's on the bench and not even used with 80+ minutes in...
 
Because very few teams can commit to playing more than one way very well. Atletico are very good at playing like this because they play like this all the time

But they are playing differently now that they have to chase the game
This is how they should have started
 
What percentage of Atleti training do you think is dedicated to screaming and exaggerating fouls? Whole team is masterful.