Thank you for not saying "Athletico".

Good article Moist.

What it's fair to say about both the gents mentioned in your article is that they seem to get the most out of their groups of players, tactically they're wise and flexible and they're both a bit barmy.

I would absolutely love it if Athletico won La Liga this year.

When you look at their squad, it's arguably a level below even the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Dortmund etc, let alone Barca / RM.


Sadly think it might be a stretch for them, but hopefully they get either CL or La Liga

This is a draft of sorts for an article I'm writing for a Website. I sometimes like to plop stuff on here to garner your lots thoughts and opinions.

"When you look at their squad, it's arguably a level below even the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Dortmund etc, let alone Barca / RM. "

I don't think there's any doubt about that.

"Sadly think it might be a stretch for them, but hopefully they get either CL or La Liga"

They play Barca on the last day/ Could be epic.

Atletico are what we should be. That is the difference a world class striker and a top manager makes. Man for man there are not many of their players I would take over ours.

When you look at their squad, it's arguably a level below even the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Dortmund etc, let alone Barca / RM.

-=-=-=-=-

Goes back to the comment (quite rightly imo) made by ghost_of_cygan, Simeone (much like Klopp) has that invaluable ability to get the best out of the group of players he's assembled.

That cheesy old adage of;

'Some people don't have the best of everything, but they MAKE the best of everything' (have I got that right?)

Chimes very loudly with Simeone this season and it's to his credit!

"Atletico are what we should be. That is the difference a world class striker and a top manager makes. Man for man there are not many of their players I would take over ours."

Before the season started I'm not convinced anyone would've said that and in terms of wage budget which should be a reflection of squad and player quality I've little doubt they'll be miles behind us.

At the start of the season we were on level pegging. Now they are miles ahead of us - with an inferior squad and rookie manager.

If you watch them (which most of you obviously have), their ethos of playing as a 'team' is absolutely incredible.

It's not directly comparable to Klopp's set-up, but there are key similarities, hence the comparison.

IMO, those sides are the picture-book reference for mixing practicality, tactical acumen & flexibility. These attributes/ingredients are absolutely KEY for ANY team to be successful in the modern game.

"At the start of the season we were on level pegging. Now they are miles ahead of us - with an inferior squad and rookie manager."

A giant enditement of the management job at Arsenal.
Simeone is in his 8th year of management so he's not a complete rookie.

A giant enditement of the management job at Arsenal.
Simeone is in his 8th year of management so he's not a complete rookie.

-=-=-=-=-=-

He had a mixed bag of a time in Argentiana (managing), but like the best, he's progressed and improved.

This A Madrid side is one he's started to put his imprint on. They were a good team before (well, a decent team) he's got an extra 25% out of them allowing them to challenge for the highest honours. That's not an accident or fluke, it's a guy who understands the modern game, has a progressive and flexible attitude to football management and it's baring fruit. I really hope they win something this season!

"IMO, those sides are the picture-book reference for mixing practicality, tactical acumen & flexibility. These attributes/ingredients are absolutely KEY for ANY team to be successful in the modern game."

Shhhh.

Don't tell Arsene.

yeah very brendan rodgers like alright