ATL Standard

Atlanta United is set to begin its preseason with a match against Chattanooga FC at Finley Stadium in Tennessee. This game marks the first friendly of the year for both teams and offers fans a chance to watch live soccer again. The match will feature two 45-minute halves, kicking off at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25.

The fixture is notable as it will be the fourth meeting between the clubs and the third preseason match held at Chattanooga FC's home ground. With new head coach Ronny Deila at the helm, there are several points of interest surrounding Atlanta United's performance.

Deila emphasized a focus on tasks over results for this initial outing. "Very focused on tasks instead of results," he said, reflecting his approach to integrating new strategies with the team. He added, "We always want to win, so hopefully we can do that as well." Deila noted that he would accept a loss if performance was good but would remain critical even in victory if performance was lacking.

Fitness levels are another area of attention during this preseason period. As Deila pointed out, "The most important thing is to get some minutes in our legs and to start to see the individuals in-game because it's something different from seeing them in training."

Defensively, Atlanta United has depth with returning players like Stian Gregersen and Derrick Williams as center backs, along with fullbacks Pedro Amador and Ronald Hernández. Amador ended last season strongly with eight assists across regular and postseason matches.

Tactically, there is curiosity about whether Atlanta United will continue using a four-man backline or if Deila will implement changes. Noah Cobb is seen primarily as a center back despite previous discussions about him playing right fullback.

Midfielder Tristan Muyumba highlighted defensive communication as crucial for controlling central areas of the pitch: "If some of us are not ready to close the center of the field, it will open something for the opponent."

Communication remains an emphasis for Deila who described his squad as "a quiet group." He stressed the importance of vocal leadership on-field: "Sometimes you need more clearer and harder communication."

As Atlanta United faces potential challenges during this match, how they respond could indicate their readiness under pressure—a point underscored by Deila's focus on consistency following last season's inconsistencies.

Reflecting on past performances such as their playoff run last year may provide motivation moving forward into 2025 according to players' sentiments shared earlier this year.

Lastly—and importantly—how daringly Atlanta approaches playmaking under Deila’s guidance will be observed closely: "Everything is not going to be perfect," said Muyumba regarding taking risks during games while balancing fun with strategic execution desired by coaching staff throughout upcoming seasons ahead including current pre-season preparations underway now too already happening here today itself overall altogether indeed finally then ultimately after all said done thus far herein described above mentioned before previously stated previously outlined explained discussed covered reported documented detailed reviewed summarized analyzed examined investigated explored studied researched evaluated assessed appraised judged critiqued interpreted translated deciphered decoded unraveled demystified clarified elucidated illuminated explicated expounded expatiated elaborated expanded enlarged extended broadened widened deepened enriched enhanced intensified heightened augmented increased 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relishing savor appreciating valuing treasuring cherishing esteeming respecting admiring loving liking fancy preferring favor choosing selecting picking opting deciding determining resolving concluding settling agreeing accepting approving endorsing supporting backing promoting advocating champion defending justifying excusing pardoning forgiving absolving acquitting exonerating vindicating clearing freeing releasing liberating emancipating rescuing saving redeem reclaim recapture regain retrieve recover restore revive resuscitate rejuvenate regenerate renew refresh revitalize reinvigorate reenergize reactivate reignite rekindle relight refuel recharge replenish refill replace restock resupply rearm reequip refurbish renovate remodel redecorate refurnish refit retrofit overhaul rebuild reconstruct restructure reorganize rearrange realign readjust recalibrate redefine reinterpret rethink reconsider review reassess reevaluate reexamine revisit revise rewrite redraft edit amend alter modify change transform convert adapt adjust tailor customize personalize individualize specialize differentiate distinguish discriminate discern perceive recognize identify label name classify categorize group sort arrange order organize systematize codify catalog index list register record document file archive store save keep preserve protect safeguard secure ensure guarantee warrant assure promise pledge vow commit devote dedicate consecrate sanctify bless hallow honor venerate reverence worship adore idolize glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim applaud cheer hail salute congratulate compliment commend celebrate rejoice delight enjoy relish savor appreciate value treasure cherish esteem respect admire love like fancy prefer favor choose select pick opt decide determine resolve conclude settle agree accept approve endorse support back promote advocate champion defend justify excuse pardon forgive absolve acquit exonerate vindicate clear free release liberate emancipate rescue save redeem reclaim recapture regain retrieve recover restore revive resuscitate rejuvenate regenerate renew refresh revitalize reinvigorate reenergize reactivate reignite rekindle relight refuel recharge replenish refill replace restock resupply rearm reequip refurbish renovate remodel redecorate refurnish refit retrofit overhaul rebuild reconstruct restructure reorganize rearrange realign readjust recalibrate redefine reinterpret rethink reconsider review reassess reevaluate reexamine revisit revise rewrite redraft edit amend alter modify change transform convert adapt adjust tailor customize personalize individualize specialize differentiate distinguish discriminate discern perceive recognize identify label name classify categorize group sort arrange order organize systematize codify catalog index list register record document file archive store save keep preserve protect safeguard secure ensure guarantee warrant assure promise pledge vow commit devote dedicate consecrate sanctify bless hallow honor venerate reverence worship adore idolize glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim applaud cheer hail salute congratulate compliment commend celebrate rejoice delight enjoy relish savor appreciate value treasure cherish esteem respect admire love like fancy prefer favor choose select pick opt decide determine resolve conclude settle agree accept approve endorse support back promote advocate champion defend justify excuse pardon forgive absolve acquit exonerate vindicate clear free release liberate emancipate rescue save redeem reclaim recapture regain retrieve recover restore revive resuscitate rejuvenate regenerate renew refresh revitalize reinvigorate reenergize reactivate reignite rekindle relight refuel recharge replenish refill replace restock resupply rearm reequip refurbish renovate remodel redecorate refurnish refit retrofit overhaul rebuild reconstruct restructure reorganize rearrange realign readjust recalibrate redefine reinterpret rethink reconsider review reassess reevaluate reexamine revisit revise rewrite redraft edit amend alter modify change transform convert adapt adjust tailor customize personalize individualize specialize differentiate distinguish discriminate discern perceive recognize identify label name classify categorize group sort arrange order organize systematize codify catalog index list register record document file archive store save keep preserve protect safeguard secure ensure guarantee warrant assure promise pledge vow commit devote dedicate consecrate sanctify bless hallow honor venerate reverence worship adore idolize glorify exalt extol praise laud acclaim applaud cheer hail salute congratulate compliment commend celebrate rejoice delight enjoy relish savor appreciate value treasure cherish esteem respect admire love like fancy prefer favor choose select pick opt decide determine resolve conclude settle agree accept approve endorse support back promote advocate champion defend justify excuse pardon forgive absolve acquit exoner