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Since the 19/20 season, #AtleticoMadrid have continuously improved on their offensive mechanisms while maintaining a top defense. xG reflected this.
However, a year ago some predicted an "end to the Simeone era" because they looked only at results but not the underlying process.
However, a year ago some predicted an "end to the Simeone era" because they looked only at results but not the underlying process.
In the plot below, orange fill = xG underperformance & green fill = xG overperformance.
Atleti's 19/20 xG improved compared to the previous two seasons, but Oblak & the forwards suffered bad streaks. Therefore, tactical improvements did not lead to better results...at first.
Atleti's 19/20 xG improved compared to the previous two seasons, but Oblak & the forwards suffered bad streaks. Therefore, tactical improvements did not lead to better results...at first.
After the corona break (black dotted line), Atleti's saving & shooting efficiency improved, while certain changes—Carrasco's return, Llorente as a forward—finally started to impact the team's offense.
Results improved and Atleti comfortably ended the 19/20 season in the top 4.
Results improved and Atleti comfortably ended the 19/20 season in the top 4.
For this 20/21 season, the offensive tactical improvements continued. Simeone opted for a more possession-heavy approach, with Hermoso, Koke, Félix becoming key in Atleti's buildup circuit.
Combine this with some efficient saving & shooting and you get Atleti as #LaLiga leaders.
Combine this with some efficient saving & shooting and you get Atleti as #LaLiga leaders.
A year ago, the discourse around Atleti was so different and pessimistic compared to what it is now, but Simeone and co kept trying out new ideas and improving the team. That's why it's important to be patient, look beyond results, and #TrustTheProcess.
