Derrick Williams transfer another in Atlanta United defender moves
Atlanta United transferred Derrick Williams to Reading FC in England’s third division Friday, another turn in a carousel of personnel moves that has frustrated manager Ronny Deila.
Deila was able to use the presumed first-choice back four of Williams, Stian Gregersen, Brooks Lennon and Pedro Amador once this season. It was the season’s fourth match against Miami, a 2-1 loss.
Because of injuries or international call-ups, the team has used 10 starters along the backline. It has made 18 transactions among defenders, including short-term call-ups for depth. Williams’ free transfer was the latest.
Deila said he’s never before experienced anything like it and said that’s in part why the team has struggled. It is 14 points below the playoff line with nine matches remaining. The team has allowed 46 goals, fifth-most in MLS.
“You get a situation where there’s no consistency, when you’re changing all the time, then it’s new relationships and no security, and you don’t feel it, the safety,” Deila said. “We have made too many professional mistakes.”
As an example of absurdity of the situation, Deila started Ronald Hernandez, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj and Brooks Lennon in the last match, Saturday at Montreal. Each had to be subbed out.
It is understandable to sub out fullbacks because of the miles they cover during a match running up and down the wings. Central defenders should rarely need to be subbed, Deila said. But neither Gregersen nor Mihaj were fit for 90 minutes.
Having to use four subs on defense means there is only one remaining for the attack, which Deila said may be why it has struggled. Atlanta United has scored 30 goals, more than just seven other teams.
With the transfer of Williams, Atlanta United has three centerbacks, Gregersen, Mihaj and Juan Berrocal, for the final matches. Deila said a team shouldn’t need more than three good central defenders. Mihaj and Berrocal are new transactions that Deila said he hoped can provide stability to a fractured group.
The new preferred back four remains a mystery. Gregersen seems a lock to start at one of the two central spots. Hernandez seems a lock to start on the right. Left fullback could be either Lennon or Amador, who is working his way back from an injury. The other central spot could be either Mihaj or Berrocal.
It’s clear that Deila would love to be able to write in a quartet match after match.
“I don’t think we’re ever going to experience that thing again,” he said. “I don’t hope so.”
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