Simeone is no fool. they can adapt. they are not a great, entertaining footballing side for sure, but of course they play with much more possession, attacking in their games when they play the lesser teams in La Liga.
His tactics were extreme but I dont think it was a disaster. We really struggled to score that one goal against them, and Oblak wasnt tested at all other than that goal. Not many teams can restrict us to about 1 serious on target shot.
(there was a KDB freekick which was good, but did not cause much issue for Oblak really.)
They will still be defensive imo tomorrow, but with much more emphasis on counter attacks from the start. maybe they will change their pressing as us passing around their half is not something they will want. expect them to leave Joao Felix upfront for any potential counter, we need to catch him with any cynical tactical fault as close to their half as possible in any tricky situation.
and if they manage to go 1-0 up they might go back and play for the extra time as at home thats a big advantage.
The ease we threw away our lead vs Liverpool in about 40 seconds into sencond half can happen here too if we are not concentrating 100%.
in terms of dark arts, yes fans will boo ref decisions, probably our players as well, applaud any hacks they commit against us, their players will provoke our players look at Grealish for example last game, he played 20 min was fouled 5/6 times and some more bullshit like talking him up, messed with his hair etc. they especially will try Cancelo and KDb knowing they can get them suspended and that itself can make them more angry during this game and more likely to get a red as well.
Simeone will use any shithousery he can.
but until they go ahead the timewasting he cannot use. good to have Walker back to track any counter.
