Manchester United have been told to expect trademark Atletico Madrid after Diego Simeone shelved his plans to change their style of play.
Renowned as a water-tight unit throughout his 11-year tenure, the charismatic Argentine guided Atletico to the La Liga crown last term - but their title defence has not gone according to plan.
Simeone's men have climbed up to fifth in the standings before the Champions League last-16 opener with United on Wednesday night (8pm). However, they remain 15 points behind table-topping neighbours Real Madrid.
Atletico were looking to embrace a more attacking-minded approach this season, but an alarming home defeat vs rock-bottom Levante forced Simeone into a tactical U-turn.
As a result, the champions returned to winning ways on Saturday with a clinical display against Osasuna.
Speaking on The Debate, former United striker and La Liga expert Terry Gibson said: "They haven't got the identity that they once had. What we have seen this season is Simeone has tried to change everything.
"I think one of the main reasons is they keep spending money on attacking players. He has tried to change their ID into something that doesn't suit them. Everyone has been complaining that you never know what XI he is going to play. It was an absolute mess and the game against Levante was time to draw a line.
"Simeone came out after that game and he took full responsibility."
Gibson added: "He wanted to change something about their style of play. It hasn't worked and they went back to basics at the weekend. They were brilliant. They had more clearances, more interceptions, more tackles.
"In the nick of time before they play Manchester United, it's a back to basics approach - more direct and long balls.
"On the back of one game, that's not enough evidence to suggest they're back to their best, but they are going to get the fundamentals right and give themselves a chance.
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"[Before that] You thought they are not going to get top-four and they are going to get pummelled by Manchester United, but there were signs that maybe going back to basics is what the players want and they want to be the old Atletico Madrid. It suits them."
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