Atlanta United Strives to Improve in Final Third

“I think we just need to be more aggressive in attack, put numbers forward and put guys in the box when the ball goes out,” Lennon said.

The departures of two key designated players, Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis, are undoubtedly major factors in the team’s scoring struggles. Almada was responsible for 11 goals and 16 assists last season, while Giakoumakis’ 17 goals earned him the 2023 MLS Rookie of the Year award. Both were recently sold to Brazil’s Botafogo and Liga MX’s Cruz Azul, respectively. While the hefty transfer fees from those two sales have filled the club’s coffers for the upcoming summer window, the team must learn to create with the players they have until replacement designated players are brought in.

“Those guys (Almada and Giakoumakis) have gone and are not here anymore, so we have to rely on the players we put on the pitch to create chances and score goals for us,” Lennon said.

Interim head coach Rob Valentino said several players are stepping up to fill the gaps left by Almada and Giakoumakis.

“It’s not just about the midfielders, but also how we build an attack,” Valentino said, “whether it’s with the centre-backs and the passes they look for, or how the forwards manipulate the back lines to play in behind or between the spaces.”

Valentino also said he was unhappy with the team’s inability to get a shot on target against Montreal, citing the need for players to make more aggressive decisions in transition. Offense and defense in transition were the focus of Monday’s practice.

“We will see how we can manipulate the next opponent and create more shots on goal,” Valentino said.

Valentino has expressed doubts about Edwin Mosquera’s availability for Wednesday’s match against New York City FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Colombian winger was seen training individually Monday as he recovers from a knee injury. Atlanta United will also be without center backs Noah Cobb, who has joined the U.S. men’s under-20 national team to compete in the CONCACAF Championship, and Gregersen, who will serve a one-match suspension following his red card against Montreal. Left back Caleb Wiley is away with the U.S. Olympic team and new signing Pedro Amador will not be available until the transfer window opens on July 18, making both unavailable for Wednesday.

With several players withdrawn from Atlanta United’s backline for this match, Valentino called on available players to step in and hinted at a possible formation change.

“We have players who can step up and do their job, so no matter what formation or role they’re in, there will be players there to step up when their number is called,” Valentino said.