The Whitehouse Address: Simeone Offers Messi Space & Barca Dominate

Barca's front three destroy Atletico's open tactical strategy

Sunday's game was eagerly anticipated from many in the world of football. Atletico had just come off a 2-0 defeat of their Madrid rivals, confidence was high and the pressure was on Barca. Their week had been one of stories, rumours and issues. The club appeared to be in crisis. And yet after the game, the issues and questions were focused on Simeone while Enrique, Messi and Barca were smiling, asking "Crisis, what crisis?". As this article will discuss, as great as Messi was, the blame lies with Simeone's decision making.

The last time Atletico played at the Camp Nou they were parading post-match as La Liga champions. A 1-1 draw that day was all that was required and Atletico handled the game superbly. The league title was deserved, Diego Simeone’s side were the most consistent and dominant side in Spain last season. A week later they would be denied an incredible double with the defeat to their rivals in the Champions League final. What a season for the club and their coach.

However there was a sense that this may be it for Atleti’s charge on Spanish football. Like with any side who overachieves, the inevitable poaching occurs and the worries of losing key figures begins. Rumours of Diego Costa leaving were rife throughout the season, as too the return of their world class keeper Courtois to his parent club Chelsea. As well as that were rumours linking Miranda, Koke and Felipe Luis away from the club. Ultimately it would be Chelsea who would enhance their side with three of the championship side.

It could have been the end of something special, however the key figure to Atletico’s success was not necessarily the players but their enigmatic coach Diego Simeone. He had dealt with losing Falcao the year previously, and would continue to move the club forwards. In came Mandzukic from Bayern and the impressive acquisition of Antoine Greizmann, the exceptionally talented French forward who had impressed at Real Sociedad the year before. Although there were some initial growing pains for the newly built side, Simeone had continued the same level of intensity, drive and focus which epitomised his Atleti side for the past two seasons.

A meeting of two sides in different times of fortune

And so when Atletico arrived at Camp Nou this past Sunday there was a feeling that they were favourites. After (another) win over Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey a few days before, and with an impressive start to the new year with a win over Levante, it seemed Atleti were riding high. Barca on the otherhand had experienced one of their worst weeks for many months.

A loss to David Moyes Real Sociedad was not a good start, yet it was the aftermath regarding the ‘resting’ of Messi and Neymar, and the resulting ‘illness’ of Messi the following day. Rumours circulated of fall-outs and ultimatums between both player and coach. Even a 5-0 win over Elche did not do much to douse the flames of discontent and political battles at Barcelona. With an early Presidential election planned for the summer in order to address the issues and help the club ‘fix’ the issues which have been prevalent since Guardiola left (yet which were apparent with the Presidency of Sandro Rossell) the club has been heading towards this time of crisis.

With all of this going on it seemed inevitable that Atletico would come in to Barca’s home and potentially make the situation a whole lot worse. A loss may have resulted in Enrique losing his job. And yet, for all this build up and negativity surrounding Barca, and Messi particularly, Barca were simply fantastic.

Enrique finds the right balance, and goes back to basics to find it

Enrique has attempted to ‘change’ Barca since he arrived. He has sought a more vertical, direct and quicker game focusing on quick transitions over the slow patient possession based play on which Barca have become synonymous. This has caused conflict for much of the season as the players seem unsure of what he wants them to and he appears conflicted on his best side, best formation and best style. It has meant Barca have looked disjointed and lacking cohesion in their play. He has tried to use a variety of formations including a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-4-2 diamond. He has experimented with Messi, having him play deeper, at times as more of an orthodox number 10. It hasn’t always looked to ‘work’.

And so with the pressure on Enrique in what is perhaps his biggest game of the season, he set up his side in the ‘classic’ 4-3-3 on which Barca have been accustomed for the past decade. It was balanced, organised and ultimately superbly successful. Messi was played out to the right, where he first played when he broke through into Rijkaard’s side. Suarez played in the central role and Neymar played on the left. The trio worked together brilliantly and Atletico were pulled apart and exposed severely. Perhaps Simeone hadn’t anticipated this formation and tactic, yet Barca were energised. Especially Messi.

There are times this past 18 months where you watch Messi and you think there is something just not right in his head. In the game against Real Madrid earlier in the season he looked dis-interested, lacking in energy and explosiveness. He played within himself. On Sunday he performed like the Messi we all love. It was energetic, charged and focused. This was Messi at his best. He was tracking back, doubling up and showing a willingness to play for the team, not against it. Animosity, frustration? This wasn’t evident on the pitch Sunday.

Perhaps he was out to impress with the Ballon D’or awards the following day. Perhaps he had used the negative media in the week to fuel the energy, to prove that he was committed to the club. Whatever the reason, Atletico couldn’t handle him. By the end of the 1^st half the game was over. It should have been more than 2-0, Neymar headed a simple chance wide.

The fact Messi assisted both goals for Neymar and Suarez highlighted the potency in this attacking trio and when Messi did score at the end of the 2^nd half, the trio’s celebration together highlighted a lack of problems, this was a happy and scary attacking line. This was similar to what Barca were doing at their peak in 2010/11 when their 4-3-3 high pressing, fast tempo attacking football would destroy sides.

There were a few differences in the side, the key one being Rakitic for Xavi in midfield. Xavi has been the most consistent and arguably best midfielder for the past 6-8 years. His ability to control games and dictate the tempo has been majestic. Yet his best has come to an end. Barca perhaps should have thought of allowing him to leave last season, yet definitely in the summer. However he was convinced to stay, perhaps for his leadership and experience. But the truth is that Rakitic is the future of Barca (of course they sold Cesc – the perfect replacement if given the time and role which he could have developed in) yet in the Croatian Barca have a very capable player.

His problem has been the constant changes, movements and rotation of Barca this season. The team has lacked cohesion and stability. Enrique is to blame for this. That side of Guardiola’s rarely changed, thus the players knew each others game and positioning inside out. Rakitic showed in this game that if given the correct role he can be a key part of Barca’s evolution. He proved his talent at Sevilla last season and deserved a move to an elite club. He now needs to play and become a more dominant figure in the team.

It was a delight to see Barca so focused and energised. They exploited the spaces offered to them and punished what was a very naïve and perhaps arrogant Atletico. For all the praise heaped on Barca, the opposite is to be laid at the feet of Simeone. Quite simply he messed up in this game.

Simeone's arrogance and tactical naivety makes Atletico looks like imposters

When the whistle went for the 1^st half Atletico were on Barca immediately. It was high pressure, keeping the ball active, in the faces of the Barca defence. It looked like an intense game ahead for Barca. And Barca looked nervous. Yet after that first minute Atletico stopped defending.

We have grown accustomed to the brilliance of Atletico defensively since Simeone arrived. They have looked organised, secure and dominant. Not much gets through them. There has been an acceptance of allowing the opposition to have the ball, of defending deep, stifling any space between units and behind the defence. This strategy has won the Europa League, the Copa Del Rey, La Liga and taken a whisker away from Champions League success. They have become formidable on set pieces and have succeeded from character, intensity, togetherness and a focus on defensive strength. To be honest, none of this was seen in the game Sunday.

While it was great to see Barca playing high tempo attacking football, it was disappointing to see Atletico play so poorly. I could not believe the spaces they allowed Barca’s front three to work in. Messi was given the freedom of their defensive half and his eyes lit up. I haven’t seen a side gift Barca this kind of space for years! Was it a surprise that Messi hadn’t scored against Atleti in the previous eight attempts? He had been nullified before, had been denied the space he craves.

Simeone must be questioned for his decisions in this game. Personally I think he thought he could be a little more adventurous in this game. His decision to play Arda Turan instead of Raul Garcia pointed to a more ambitious approach. And his decision to play the 19 year old José Giménez instead of Miranda clearly highlights an issue with the experienced defender. Yes Giménez had played well against Madrid and scored yet clearly the rumours of Miranda leaving have impacted his lack of playing time. Atletico don’t look as strong without him.

Add in the decision to play Jesús Gámez at left back in hindsight was a disastrous decision. Perhaps Messi was not anticipated to play wide right, yet he must have smelt blood when he saw he could isolate Gámez in 1v1’s. Simeone has not been able to replace Felipe Luis and this is a concern.

The defensive block which has characterised Atleti, one which denies space and creates 2v1/3v1’s was almost non-existent. Barca’s front three had a field day. This performance reminded me of Mourinho’s versus Spurs a few weeks ago. The hint of arrogance in his team selection and strategy. That they could go away against a good team and dominate them, could press higher than normal, could out play them. Mourinho was punished dearly, and so too was Simeone Sunday.

Both coaches have a formula for success which works. Yet one wonders if they are seeking to achieve more, or impress more? Has the ‘criticism’ of their style affected their judgement? Well I think when they reflect on how they approached these respective games they will both contemplate their arrogance and naivety and learn the lessons from the defeats. Both coaches have mastered the art of defensive blocks, of stifling space for the opposition. Both have focused their success on transitions and set pieces. They have frustrated teams like Barca with their ability to close off space. This is why Sunday’s game disappointed me so much.

As a coach it was a poor gameplan and strategy which was ultimately destroyed by Barca. To give Messi, Neymar and Suarez that kind of space and time? Incredible!

For those who enjoy seeing Messi tear it up this was a great game for the viewers. After a tough week it meant Barca can relax a little more, the pressure on Luis Enrique a little less and the rumours of Messi’s unhappiness quashed somewhat. Enrique got his tactics right, got his selection perfect, Barca should hope he sees how well it worked and stop meddling so much. Yet thanks should go to Simeone for this success, who gifted the game to his rivals with one of his worst coaching performances since arriving at Atletico.

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Tuesday 13 January 2015

Simeone Offers Messi Space & Barca Dominate

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