Competition news
A DEFENSIVE ATLETICO?
19 Oct 2006
The injuries are forcing Atl?©tico's coach, Javier Aguirre, to modify his team for Saturday's clash. He has been proving a triple <i>pivote</i> figure during the training sessions, the Mexican coach defended his system and also had eulogies for Deportivo.
Atl?©tico Madrid has five absences for the confrontation with Deportivo: Gabi (clavicle fracture), De las Cuevas (broken leg), Maxi (knee), Petrov (knee) and the suspended Seitaridis (red-carded on the last liga game). for this reason Coach Javier Aguirre has called four youngster to train with the first squad: Vara, Batres, V?ctor Bravo and David Rodr?guez.
Aguirre has been also testing a defensive lineup for the trip to La Coru?±a. More exactly he has proved a triple pivote figure with Costinha, Maniche and Luccin in midfield. This strategy seems to be the result from the shocking injuries of Maxi Rodr?guez and Mart?n Petrov. Both wingers suffered a anterior cruciate ligament injury during the last week, and they will be out for at least six months.
It's expected that Galletti and Mista will cover their positions in Riazor. The complete lineup that Aguirre is preparing is: Leo Franco - Valera, Pablo, Perea, Antonio L??pez - Galletti, Costinha, Maniche, Luccin, Mista - Fernando Torres. Argentinean new star 'Kun' Ag??ero would start on the bench.
About this possible lineup, Javier Aguirre affirmed that it's the most serious alternative that he has in mind, as he said to reporters: "It could be our team for Saturday, I'm seriously thinking in it. We worked with a midfield composed by three players instead of two, tomorrow I will take the final decision. It's true that the injuries are affecting us, but we can also try other alternatives like playing with two strikers, with people coming from the centre... it's the good thing of football, everyday you have a new challenge."
Atl?©tico's coach also had eulogies for Joaqu?n Caparr??s' squad: "Their team is now younger, they have a lot of energy, a lot of physical presence and strength... and they are there. The other day against Betis, the victory escaped from their hands in the last minute. And they would have the same points that we have. It will be a tough encounter, they are direct rivals and we must realise that both teams will be fighting all over the competition for the same places. It's a strong, solid and serious team. I like it!"
Finally Aguirre is convinced that his team is playing better away from home: "We are playing with more serenity in this games and we have a better control over the ball. Under that scheme, I think that the situation is more equal, because it gave the responsibility to play to the rival, they are the ones trying to win the match, to do something during the first minutes, and at the end we are the ones dictating the rhythm of the game."