Marco van Basten has slammed Atletico Madrid's defensive playing style, claiming offsides should be scrapped to make matches more entertaining and ensure fans do not switch off and 'watch Netflix' instead.
Atletico's tactics under Diego Simeone have been criticised for being too negative, with the Argentinian coach often favouring men behind the ball over an attacking approach.
Simeone's side were particularly defensive in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final last week.
City boss Pep Guardiola hit out at Atletico's 'prehistoric, 5-5-0' tactics' after the match at the Etihad.
Dutch legend Van Basten said the tactics employed by Atletico against free-flowing City were 'not fun to watch' and could lead to fans tuning out and watching something more entertaining.
The former Ajax and AC Milan striker previously called for offsides to be scrapped when he was working for FIFA and believes changing the long-standing rule could be beneficial.
'It's legal, it's allowed, but when you see how defensive it is,' Van Basten told Ziggo Sport. 'I'm surprised that a team with ten behind during the 90 minutes trying to simply avoid the rival goal.
'They might as well do that now, because in that situation you could never be offside. 'It's so hard to score a goal... It's not fun to watch, it's not fun for people. It would be normal for them to unsubscribe and go watch Netflix or something else.
'As a football association, like FIFA , you really have to start thinking about how to keep football fun and engaging. Because it's not fun like that.
'There's no one to blame, a coach can do this, but it's really not fun to watch.'
Van Basten said Atletico possess too much attacking quality to use such a defensive style. 'João Félix and Antoine Griezmann - players who have cost 300 million euros between the two of them - are defending the 90 minutes,' the former Dutch manager added.
'As a player I would say: "Coach, I'm up front, and when we get the ball back they have to play very quickly with me because I can do something up front." But there were ten in your area!'
Simeone's tactics have, however, delivered two La Liga titles, while he has also guided Atletico to two Champions League finals.
Atletico take on City on Wednesday needing to overturn the deficit from the first leg to reach the semi-finals.
The Madrid outfit were beaten 1-0 away at relegation-threatened Mallorca on Saturday in their last league game before the City clash.
Wasdkloy
0
unless they also come with law to control squad quality. How do you expect them to match city with the quality of the players they have? a squad worth 1 billion plus against the one worth 500 million. In fact did they invite you to watch their game?
thank you city fans i respect every team except united
CaydidYare
0
you not a true atleti fan because true atleti fans enjoy the suffering
bro it's not the same when your team is lossing and when your team doesn't play football we enjoy our beautiful football weather we loose or not but I'm not sure which sport does athleti play
Fehablsu
1
Daviduchi7
0
I guarantee atletico fans won’t be watching anything else but their team play their heart out. The point is to win games not please anyone else
Charliechaplain
2
shut up van basten atleti fans n players enjoy d suffering n play like dat.. that's their tactics
Linaclmru
0
freedom of choice freedom of expression
Cahinpruy
0
Boring
Wasdkloy
0
He's right, football is all about entertainment. Am a die hard Madrid fan but I admire Man City because of their playing style
I mean psg and also it is simione's genius to play 550 or city wouldve have scored 2
Wasdkloy
1
He's right, football is all about entertainment. Am a die hard Madrid fan but I admire Man City because of their playing style
true but i respect every team except united and osg
Jincemprty
0
Trash talk of someone that played his last game since 1990's. Formation is Formation provided that you acquired a point through it.
did they acquire the point then
GideonAT
0
unless they also come with law to control squad quality. How do you expect them to match city with the quality of the players they have? a squad worth 1 billion plus against the one worth 500 million. In fact did they invite you to watch their game?
squad quality controll off me hahah
norriske
0
unless they also come with law to control squad quality. How do you expect them to match city with the quality of the players they have? a squad worth 1 billion plus against the one worth 500 million. In fact did they invite you to watch their game?
Atletico has much quality.. Oblak, Jimenez, Felipe Marcos, Lodi Koke, De paul, Kondobia Felix, Suarez, Griezman These guys can walk in in any team and play, so quality of players shouldn't be a discussion
duoaimoptz
3
I am ATL fan but that's exactly what I did on that day against city. I started watching the match but then I have to turn away to Netflix
you not a true atleti fan because true atleti fans enjoy the suffering
Jeremycamp
0
Good luck Atleti fans, y'all will need it against City
Muhammedb
2
I am ATL fan but that's exactly what I did on that day against city. I started watching the match but then I have to turn away to Netflix
ffooorrr
0
He's right, football is all about entertainment. Am a die hard Madrid fan but I admire Man City because of their playing style
thank u mate
kimbelnrz
1
unless they also come with law to control squad quality. How do you expect them to match city with the quality of the players they have? a squad worth 1 billion plus against the one worth 500 million. In fact did they invite you to watch their game?
angry Chelsea fan.
Tupamopr
0
They're boring to watch n you can't enjoy watching A Madrid
Don Zayo
3
He's right, football is all about entertainment. Am a die hard Madrid fan but I admire Man City because of their playing style
kenbikny
1
unless they also come with law to control squad quality. How do you expect them to match city with the quality of the players they have? a squad worth 1 billion plus against the one worth 500 million. In fact did they invite you to watch their game?
Evans0323
0
Most Team you see Today started playing defensive games because of Barcelona and old Arsene Wenger Arsenal Team, because they believe that when they attack they will concede a lot
Feebceiloy
0
thy have preformed better than Barcelona in UCL
Add your UCLs to theirs, we'll still have times 2 plus 1 of the combine 2 teams.
Sokcdpst
0
he's right its boring end no result[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
thy have preformed better than Barcelona in UCL
Xavero1
0
Trash talk of someone that played his last game since 1990's. Formation is Formation provided that you acquired a point through it.
U know nothing Kid
lawalidris
3
Football is not just scoring or denying your opponent goal opportunity but should be more of entertaining. As a fan and football lover, I don't gain anything even if my preferred team win the game except the entertainment part of it.
kiabcdekms
0
Trash talk of someone that played his last game since 1990's. Formation is Formation provided that you acquired a point through it.
Kim-kim-kk
5
It amazes me how a defending la liga champion can refuse to play football against Man city …. If you’re scared to play …. Then why are you a football club ? Diego Simone needs to be flogged by Spanish fans
Pepenow
1
What’s he saying ??Simeone be like I have been doing this for very very long time I even conquered the Red Devils with it hahahah
RomarioTru
4
he's right its boring end no result[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Husaiklnr
1
can't disrespect a style of football. can say you dislike it though.... WITHOUT DISRESPECTING
SAH7
6
lol man city still scored against them despite their defensive tactics
Pepenow
6
AM fans should be thankful Simeone is doing a great job it’s not easy bringing the great wall of China to the Metro
delaabakah
3
everyone and it style of play
satacemrt
1
beyond park the bus
jaybloss
0
stupid comment