Simeone planning major tactical change for Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona cup tie | OneFootball

After playing out an enthralling 4-4 draw in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie in February, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will lock horns again this week with a spot in the final on the line.

Atletico are going through a rough phase of late, with results not going their way, while Barça are thriving under Hansi Flick, extending their unbeaten streak in 2025.

Diego Simeone plans big change

As such, AS now reports that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has made the decision to adopt an attacking style in their upcoming match against Barcelona.

Simeone was more intense than ever during Atleti’s training session ahead of their match against Barça. The Argentine coach was fully immersed in the preparation, demanding bravery, audacity, and even toughness – not for defending, but for attacking.

This time, Simeone wants his team to take the game to their opposition, not just chase the ball.

Simeone’s message was clear: it should not be just Atletico running after the ball, it should be Barcelona too. The plan is to make Flick’s side worry about the Rojiblancos’ attacking play instead of just dictating the game.

Simeone plans to switch things up. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

In one of his most animated training sessions in recent memory, the Atletico boss repeatedly corrected his players, pushing them to be more courageous and proactive.

He reminded them that they are top-level players and urged them to take risks, dribble past opponents, and do the unexpected to unsettle the Blaugrana.

To implement his ideas, Simeone set up a practice match against Atletico’s youth players. The instructions to the youngsters were simple: force quick decisions under pressure, press relentlessly, and give no space to players to build up play.

Simeone focused on quick passing sequences and launching attacks into space. He instructed Marcos Llorente on one flank and Giuliano on the other to stretch Barcelona’s defence, using their speed as weapons.

Players like Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez were tasked with dropping deep to link up play before surging forward to finish attacks.

Simeone’s plan might work or it might fail, but one thing is certain: he is committed to a different approach. His players are fully aware that this will not be a typical Atletico performance.