So the answer to the title question is yes. Some people might say give the team a little time, but I say no, it’s time to worry. Coming off a win and taking the MLS Championship Cup 2018, this team was rolling, but two major road blocks have occurred since that memorable win. The first is Head Coach Tata Martino left the team to take the relm of the Mexican National team, and second is fan favorite Miquel Almiron was transferred to New Castle for $27 million, the highest ever transfer in MLS history.
So I look at it this way, if Tata and Almiron were still here, then maybe the team has to get their legs under them and it will take time. The last two years the team has been a strike first team, with many shots on goal. These are the two things that I am worried about. New philosophy with new Head Coach Frank de Boer. This team looks stuck in the mud, they are not moving the ball, although possession has gone up, but possession doesn’t win ball games, I don’t care what sport you play. Maybe with new head coach it will take time for the rest of the team to get on board. Who knows? Driving in to work this morning the Atlanta United was top story on Atlanta sports radio. The debates went round and round is it time to worry or wait and see approach. The second thing that I am worried about is Josef Martinez. He doesn’t look the same not having his wing man, Almiron out on the pitch with him. Almiron was a speedster and could get Martinez the ball in almost any direction. So these are the two factors that I believe are holding the United back.
As I always say, time will tell. But if the team comes out sluggish this Wednesday when they play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Monterrey in the Concacaf Championship Tournament, then there needs to be some chatter taking place at Atlanta United Headquarters.
I do understand I could be totally premature about all this and come mid July this might be a mute point, but I’m seeing the signs early. And to rap up this post, it is just great to be talking soccer, good or bad here in the south, and how great the fan base has been in support of the Atlanta United.
Kirkley's Sports Korner 