Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has revealed that he will start the season with Antoine Griezmann and Jackson Martinez in attack.
Los Colchoneros are ready to adopt a more free-flowing style in 2015-16, with the Colombian striker being brought in from Porto to replace Mario Mandzukic, while the French winger has been converted into a centre forward, but Cholo insists the “essence” must remain.
“The following team will play: Oblak; Juanfran, Gimenez, Godin, Filipe Luis; Oliver, Tiago, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann, Jackson,” he began ahead of Las Palmas in La Liga on Saturday.
“Our pre-season results were what we hoped for. We've signed new players and they're understanding what we want from them in a match situation.
“We're very excited to return to the [Vicente] Calderon. A full house generates adrenaline, expectation and desire for the players, and there's plenty of enthusiasm.
“The big names already know what expectations they must meet, but the young lads such as Vietto, Oliver, Carrasco, Koke and Griezmann are already familiar with them, and that's important.
“More than anything else, we want to maintain the approach that the team have always displayed in matches.
“We have great competition in attack. [Each of our attackers] offer their own characteristics and different possibilities.
“I will use the entirety of my squad for solutions. We believe in taking things day by day.
“We're wary of Las Palmas' counterattacking threat. They have some very dangerous players like [Sergio] Araujo.
“We'll focus on who we're facing next. We're a team with different characteristics this season, but we don't want to lose our essence in competing for every ball.
“[On more signings], the club are always working and open to any possibilities that may arise.
“We're very happy with the squad, but if someone comes available then they'll be welcomed.
“Koke played the first game of pre-season [on the left wing] and in the second half of the last game too.
“He's another option we have, but how we play will be determined by his form of his teammates, Gabi, the opponents and what we look for in every game.
“I spoke to [Oliver] when he returned, and with Arda's departure and the responsibility he now has, I think he now has everything needed to perform and showcase his ability.
“We believe in his vision and tenacity to adapt to different positions. He's also working on his defensive game.
“I'd feel sad if I couldn't empower the players coming through our youth system.
