The fourth pre-seaon game and things are starting to get serious. With every respect to the games against, Numancia, Oviedo and Sagan Tosu, today’s match against Shanghai SIPG is a sterner test. They are current leaders of the Chinese Super League (after 21 matches) and one of the country’s wealthiest clubs.
In the current Shanghai squad, one name stands out, that of Asamoah Gyan. The Ghanaian is leading scorer for his country and signed in July on a salary of 16 million euro per season. The Chinese club are coached by another leading name in world football, Sven Goran Eriksson. 16 years ago, he coached a Lazio side who featured a certain Diego Simeone in the squad. El Cholo is never slow to state that the Swedish coach is one of the best he has ever worked for.
Today, the student will attempt to overcome the master. Simeone is looking to convert his side into a team who offer more than just a rigorous physical approach and tenacity. He wants more creativity, short passing and even ‘tiqui-taca’. He’s expected to elect a starting formation with Gabi and Tiago in the center and with Koke on the wing. El Cholo is currently experimenting with Koke is various positions. Óliver will start on the other wing. Back after his Erasmus with FC Porto and so far looking excellent for Atleti in this pre-season campaign.
In yesterday’s training session, Cholo worked with Griezmann and Vietto together but for today’s game the French international will be partnered by Torres. El Niño has been the main focus of attention in China. His presence causing mayhem and delirium amongst the local fans. Simeone does have another card up his sleeve: Xu Xin, his Chinese player. When he gives him playing time, expect a rapturous welcome from the spectators at the Shanghai Stadium.
The other obstacle facing Atleti will be the temperature at kick-off time. The Shanghai summer heat and humidity added to the pollution generated in a city of 23 million will certainly see the pace of game affected. No excuses though as this time the test ahead of Atleti is for real.