With just over a month before their first competitive game, Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is concerned. He thinks that some arrogance is seeping into his team’s race for a Champions League position. Following an unexpected 1-1 draw at home against Lecce, Gasperini addressed the media. As the club’s rivals go head to head this weekend with the fight for European qualification so close, he conveyed the need for humility.
In their recent home match against Lecce, Atalanta’s current issue was on full display, as a late Mateo Retegui penalty salvaged a draw. Atalanta is currently clinging to third place in the table. They are merely six points clear of eighth-place Fiorentina and a scant two points in front of the in-resurgence Juventus. Bologna is only two points back themselves but with a game-in-hand, so the race for a top-four spot is hot.
Pressure Mounts in Top-Four Race
No wonder Gasperini senses the heat rising on his team. Currently, they are pushing towards the extraordinary target of qualifying for next year’s Champions League. He pointed out that the expectations being set for Atalanta is not what their reality will be.
“I have the sensation that people do not perceive the objectives we need to achieve. They are acting as if it’s easy for Atalanta to qualify for the Champions League, but we need to look at the teams that are behind us in the table.” – Gian Piero Gasperini
The coach acknowledged that while Atalanta currently occupies a favorable position, the race is heating up, and complacency could be detrimental. He called on his players and supporters to stay sharp and keep their eyes on the prize.
A Call for Responsibility
Gasperini reemphasized that it’s the players and club’s responsibility to ensure that they don’t lose competitiveness. He warned not to look past their opponents, noting that the pressure is on even the teams under them in the standings.
“This attitude is certainly damaging to Atalanta and we have to take some of the responsibility for it. This would be an extraordinary achievement and we need to remember that.” – Gian Piero Gasperini
He looked back on how optimistic to the point of recklessness their rivals had been. As things stand, it looks like the teams trailing Atalanta are even more concerned about their table positions than Atalanta.
“Those behind us are more worried. I too am worried when I see this approach, where it seems as if it is ‘normal’ that Atalanta will qualify for the Champions League. I see some arrogance here and that worries me.” – Gian Piero Gasperini
Looking Ahead
Atalanta prepares for a busy few weeks ahead. The team will need all the resilience and grit they’ll need to overcome the obstacles yet to come. In fact, they are only a few points ahead of a number of challengers. To realize their true potential, they need to remain sharp and high-tempo.
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