Comments from Atletico Madrid midfielder hint at change of system for Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid go into their clash with Barcelona this weekend as the form team in Spain, having racked up 11 straight wins. They face a Blaugrana side that has just five points from their last six games, but midfielder Pablo Barrios has suggested that it is Los Rojiblancos that may adapt to the home side’s approach.

Barrios confirmed to Cadena SER that he would not take a draw at Montjuic, a sign of the confidence at Atletico currently. He noted that Barcelona’s dip in form was similar to Atletico’s own trajectory this season, but in reverse. He also edged away from comparisons with captain Koke Resurreccion, who has tipped Barrios as a future captain at Atletico.

“No, no, no. I’m always told that I’m the new Koke, but I’m definitely not. He’s always been my idol, my role model on and off the pitch, and I hope to play many more games with him in midfield.”

“Pressure [being tipped to be a captain], no. It’s a joy. When a legend like Koke says that, it makes me proud. It motivates me to keep working like I’m doing.”

During the week, it has been noted on multiple occasions that Atletico Madrid have been training in a 5-4-1 formation, with Conor Gallagher in the starting line-up. Barrios also hinted that Los Rojiblancos will seek to adapt to Barcelona’s weaknesses.

“No. I don’t think so, we’ve always changed depending on the opponent. At the beginning of the year, when things weren’t going well, we weren’t as bad as people told us. Now we’re lucky that the results are going our way and we’re very happy.”

Atletico of late have been using a 4-4-2 formation, with Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann up front. Earlier on in the campaign, Alvarez was used out wide on occasion though too. That said, Diego Simeone may be taking inspiration from Leganes’ win over Barcelona last weekend, when they nullified the Blaugrana to reasonable effect.