United practices changing things up

Atlanta United’s preparation Wednesday for Saturday’s MLS playoff game against New England included working on different scenarios, shapes and formations, penalty kicks and set pieces.

Midfielder Julian Gressel described it as a good practice, coming after Jeff Larentowicz said Tuesday was one of the better practices the team has had in a while.

On Wednesday, the team continued to work on playing with a four-man backline, something it used for part of the second half of the 3-1 win against New England on Oct. 6.

“I think it’s good to be able to switch to different formations,” midfielder Darlington Nagbe said. “I think the guys are getting more comfortable. We’ve been really comfortable in the (three-man backline), so nothing will feel as comfortable as that, but the guys are getting comfortable with the four as well.”

Experimenting with different formations and shapes is done so that if in-game adjustments are needed, the players can execute.

“Obviously, games change,” Gressel said. “Scenarios change. Goals change games. We want to be prepared. I think it has been a good refresher, reminder of certain things and different styles.”

Additionally, the team worked on what to do should it have a lead or should it trail. It also worked on penalty kicks, which would be needed if the score is tied after regulation and after 30 minutes of extra time. Atlanta United lost to Columbus on penalty kicks in the 2017 playoffs.

“Things that you have to be prepared for in a single-elimination game like that,” Gressel said. “Just good reminders. We are sharp. We are looking forward to this and ready to start rolling.”