Two years after winning the league, Atlético Mineiro find themselves in 10th place. Although only six points off of second-placed team Grêmio, the side have only managed one win in their last four games. After the sacking of Eduardo Coudet, Luiz Filipe Scolari agreed to take the reigns of the club, coming out of retirement in order to do so. However, the former Premier League and Brazil national team head coach has failed to win a game in his first four as boss.
This scout report will provide a tactical analysis of Scolaris side and explain why Scolaris principles and tactics in possession are yet to bear fruit in the attacking phase of the game.
Atlético Mineiro in attack: their general structure
Over the last four games, Atlético Mineiro have averaged 1.18 xG per game with 17.8 progressions into the final third. This suggests that the side have had trouble creating quality chances — and consistently being able to progress the ball into positions from where they can create chances.
In their first games under Scolari, the side have lined up in a 4-3-3 with a consistent trend of using a back four in the build-up, with Rodrigo Battaglia as a lone pivot. One of the other two midfielders may drop deeper and occasionally join Battaglia. Still, both midfielders mostly advance close to the last line of the attack, with the wingers maintaining width. This can be seen in the image below.
Due to the nature of their structure and the positioning of their midfielders, it is unsurprising that Atlético Mineiro do not look to play passes on the ground through the centre. Nevertheless, there have been instances, especially in their first game under Scolari, where they have attempted to find these midfielders with vertical passes. The use of long balls to the striker has been consistent throughout all their games, as well as attempts to progress the ball through the wide areas, especially in the half of the opposition.
An example of how Atlético Mineiros structure allows their use of long balls to be more effective can be seen below. Rather than play the ball to the centre-backs or to Battaglia — Everson — the goalkeeper, plays a long ball to Hulk.
