It's rare that two of Atlanta United's key leaders address the media on the same day, but that's what we got Thursday morning. After a sweltering training at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, head coach Ronny Deila and designated player Miguel Almirón gave us some insight into what the club is working on ahead of its second-to-last road game of the season.
The bottom is line that the two, and the rest of the club, understand the gravity of these last two matches. D.C. United and Toronto FC are both near Atlanta United in the table, and gaining points in those matches to take back home could be the start of a second-half comeback this season. Deila and Almirón emphasized that they have a real chance to earn crucial results.
Dealing with D.C.
Atlanta United heads to the nation's capital on Independence Day weekend for a match with one of just two Eastern Conference teams they have yet to play this season. D.C. United are just one point ahead of the 5-Stripes in the table having played one more match.
Most of Thursday's training was closed off to media, as Atlanta United began the session with rondos and immediately went into preparing tactics. They'll take on a team in D.C. United that has scored the second-least and conceded the second-most goals in MLS this season. That doesn't mean they'll be a comfortable opponent, though.
MLS 2024 Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke poses an obvious threat to Atlanta United's defense at the heart of D.C. United's attack. Despite a lack of attacking output from the squad as a whole, Benteke is still a chance-creator. He's top 10 in MLS this season with 9.76 expected goals. Deila's first piece of advice to his players was to make him run after them more than they run after him.
"Number two is to stop crosses and be tight in the box," Deila said. "That's the main thing against him. He's unbelievably good in the air and as a finisher. We need to work together as a unit."
Atlanta United had extra time to prepare for D.C. after their match last weekend against Inter Miami was rescheduled. Deila said they've used the time well and got needed rest to attack the last two stops on their road trip — first to Washington, D.C. then to Toronto next weekend.
Alexey Miranchuk and Efraín Morales said Tuesday that Atlanta United's upcoming matchups are just like any other games this season. They're absolutely right, but Deila's squad still understands the urgency of picking up points in matches against sides close to them in the table.
"We are in a league that, when you get momentum, everything can happen," Deila said. "This game coming up now is a huge game for us."
Almirón leading the charge to change attacking fortunes
Miggy's return to Atlanta United hasn't come without growing pains, but in his moments of success, the team has picked up points. The 5-Stripes have not lost a match in which Almirón has scored this season, and they've only lost once when he's assisted.
As a leader in the squad, Almirón was perfectly clear in saying he expects himself to be better first and foremost.
"I love this club, and when we lose, it hurts me more than anybody," Almirón said in Spanish after training. "I want to win for this club, for the fans. I think I'm the first one who has to improve to help the team, to help the club, and that's what I'm working towards. The good moments will come."
As a whole, Atlanta United has struggled to produce going forward on the road. The most goals they've scored on the road, two, came against FC Cincinnati March 22. The 5-Stripes have been at their best this season when, despite giving up goals defensively, they've matched the firepower themselves going forward. Outside of that Cincinnati match, those games have been at home.
Almirón played a big part in home wins against NYCFC, FC Cincinnati and Orlando City, and he did it in different ways. The Paraguayan scored the equalizer against New York City with a header, commanded the Cincinnati match completing over 90 percent of his passes and drove the ball forward with six progressive carries against Orlando City. Bringing those levels on away trips is the next step to more success.
He's had to move around in the formation quite a bit this season, but Almirón didn't use that as an excuse for his lack of goalscoring production. He's said in the past he feels most comfortable in the No. 10 role but made it clear he's willing to play wherever Deila sees best fit.
"We're working with him that he has to also get into box to finish," Deila said. "That's what he did when he when he's played 10, even more into the box, he has more there."
No matter where he lines up Saturday, Miggy's leadership and team-first mentality are givens.
"We're going through a tough moment, unfortunately, but I believe in what we're doing," Almirón said. "I have confidence in all my teammates and in the coaching staff. So we're going to continue working. If we can continue improving, continue working on on the things that we are, then we can still turn things around."
