After returning to the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2021, Atlanta United could be seeking to make a serious bid for success this season.
The Five Stripes supporters have higher expectations than most and may be expecting their aspect to mission on all fronts in 2022.
So, right here's the whole lot you need to know about Atlanta United ahead of the new MLS season, together with strategies, key gamers, and predictions.
For a long time, it looked like Atlanta might should endure another put up-season inside the desert. That changed into till period in-between boss Rob Valentino, then later Gonzalo Pineda, took over following the departure of Gabriel Heinze.
Once the Argentine left, they averaged 1.Eighty one factors in keeping with game as compared to only a unmarried factor in step with sport prior, and lost simply three of their final 18 regular-season fits.
United fell at the primary hurdle inside the MLS Cup Playoffs, losing 2-zero to New York City FC. Of course, NYCFC would cross all the way to beat the Portland Timbers in the very last, and the slim pitch at Yankee Stadium is sufficient to challenge any traveling aspect.
Foundations had been laid and there may be lots for Pineda and his body of workers to build on.
Despite very extraordinary effects, Pineda absolutely wasn't too far far from Heinze tactically closing season. The Mexican nearly solely stuck to versions of the three-four-3, three-five-2, and three-4-2-1 systems in Atlanta, with three middle-backs offering a stable platform on each sides of the ball, permitting the wing-backs to get forward and provide width. The major difference changed into Pineda allowed person players greater tactical freedom and fluidity.
However, this off-season has seen a transfer to a four-3-three system, with a midfield pivot helping development ownership and cover defensively, while nevertheless allowing the total-backs to get forward. This is hardly ever unexpected given Anton Walkes' departure, and we have to see Miles Robinson and Alan Franco shape a solid center-again pairing with George Campbell supplying cowl.
Still expect Atlanta United to be a ownership-dominant team, but with greater of an emphasis on getting the ball forward quickly to capture teams off stability and create probabilities for Josef Martinez. The new presence of Thiago Almada ought to assist invigorate the assault.
