O Athletico Paranaense has demonstrated two different tactical approaches in the past games under the leadership of coach Barbieri. In some games, the team presents itself with a more offensive posture, prioritizing the possession of the ball and exerting high pressure. On other occasions, it adopts a more direct game, exploring rapid transitions and direct connection to the attack. This variation can be an asset for long and balanced competitions such as Series B.
Adaptation as the opponent
Nas vitórias sobre Paraná, Rio Branco, Azuriz, Operário e Cyanorte, Hurricane dominated with high game volume, maintaining ownership and creating many opportunities. However, in the confrontations with Andraus and Independent São Joseense, the team bet on a more pragmatic style, using long releases and defining moves quickly.
This ability to switch strategies according to the opponent can be determinant for a competition with so many variables. In the last game, for example, Athletico won 3-1 by exploring stretched balls without exerting so much pressure on the field of attack.
The impact of Di Yorio's absence
Lucas Di Yorio's departure brought a tactical challenge to Barbieri. Without the attacker, the team lost power at high blood pressure, and the team had to adapt. Currently, Kardec still seeks his best form, Babi is injured and Mastriani recovers from knee surgery.
In view of this scenario, the coach opted for a lower block in the 4-4-2 scheme, allowing Independent São Joseense to exchange passes, which generated some dissatisfaction of the fans. When the Athletic tried to climb the lines, Kardec was more protected, saving energy for key moments of departure.
Pressing Athletic has not been effective
The opponents also realized that pressing the Hurricane ball exit does not always bring positive results. Andraus and Independent São Joseense chose to cut the pass lines to Raul, a key steering wheel in the transition between defense and attack. With this, Athletico resorted to direct links, successfully scoring goals in both confrontations.
Although this is a well-trained alternative by Barbieri, relying excessively on the direct game can be risky, especially against teams that know how to defend themselves well. Even so, when it was necessary to drill closed defenses, Hurricane demonstrated construction capacity, as in the guild over Rio Branco and in the turn against Paraná.
Barbieri values the versatility of the team
At a press conference, Barbieri stressed the importance of having a team capable of adapting to different situations within the field. The coach stressed that both the positional game, based on possession of the ball, and the rapid transitions are valid strategies and need to be executed well.
" It's essential that we have multiple options. A team that knows how to build moves positionally is strong, but we also need efficiency in transitions. Having both elements makes us more dangerous," said the coach.
