Marco Van Basten Says Fans Would Rather Watch Netflix Than Atletico Madrid

AC Milan and Netherlands legend Marco van Basten has brutally dismantled Atletico Madrid's style of play, saying it would make more sense for fans to watch Netflix instead of their games.

Atleti were the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons last week when they failed to register a single shot in the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Manchester City.

Since the collection of such stats began, they were just the fourth team to not have a shot on goal in Europe's premier club competition.

Diego Simeone's side were always going to sit deep and try and consolidate but took it to the extreme in playing an ultra defensive 5-5-0 formation at the Etihad Stadium.

The two-time finalists had just 27 per cent of the ball over the course of the 90 minutes and three-time Ballon d'Or winner Van Basten scolded them on Dutch channel Ziggo Sport.

"What Atletico Madrid are doing is legal, it’s allowed, but it is surprises me that there is a team with 10 players behind the ball for the whole 90 minutes that is only trying to avoid conceding a goal," he said, as per Diario AS.

“A footballing organisation like FIFA should be starting to think about ways to make football more fun. With this style of football, there is no enjoyment.

“It would make more sense for someone to change the channel and went off to watch Netflix with that time.”

Atleti were able to frustrate City for large spells but Pep Guardiola's side broke the deadlock through Kevin De Bruyne's 70th minute strike.

The goal was created by substitute Phil Foden, who weaved his way through the lines and slotted through the most glorious pass.

One would expect the La Liga champions to come out and play freely in the second leg this Wednesday, but Simeone is adamant his team will not deviate from their usual way of playing.

"Of course we’re not going to go too far from what we normally do," the Argentine told a press conference.

"We will go for the perfect timing to try to create what we can do.

"We can have faster transitions and counter-attacks that we have and be clinical in front of goal. And I hope our players have a fantastic night and use our motivation and the momentum of the game.

“Anything can happen on a football pitch.”

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA & BT Sport

Topics: Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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