Max Bretos: Atlanta United have “wind in their sails” ahead of match vs. FC Dallas

Max Bretos isn’t worried about what’s been a relatively slow start for Atlanta United, especially after the team turned a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 win over New York City FC to snap a 4-match winless skid.

“If they had lost that game to New York City FC, I think this would be a very uncomfortable week for Atlanta United, but now there’s a lot of wind in their sails,” the MLS Season Pass play-by-play man and longtime soccer commentator said on the Scarves and Spikes podcast on Wednesday. “You see some of the pieces, I think, falling in place suggesting it’s going to be an improved season, a positive season, maybe a trophy season for Atlanta United.”

Atlanta’s high-spending offseason, including its record signing of Latte Lath and the return of Miguel Almiron on a reported $10 million transfer fee — plus Alexey Miranchuk’s $13 million arrival during last year’s summer transfer window — meant, naturally, that massive expectations would be on the club right out of the gate in 2025.

“Atlanta United have created an atmosphere where it’s a high-pressure situation, for a variety of reasons, but because of the amount of money invested, and it’s results-driven,” Bretos said.

Saturday’s win, though, was a good first step, especially following the tactical adjustments Ronny Deila made at around the hour mark. And while Bretos saw Saba Lobjanidze’s play on the right wing as a situation where New York City was “not quite ready” to properly cope, Miranchuk’s move deeper in the midfield was “an eye-opener”.

“I think (he is) a very powerful defensive player, but I think when he was in those minutes or so where he was in that role, it just seemed like a Eureka moment,” Bretos said. “If he’s comfortable enough to play (deeper) and he likes to play it even more importantly, maybe you can find a way to make him a bit of a hybrid.”

Watch the full podcast, including our entire interview with Max, on YouTube by click here. Or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeart.

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