Gasperini expresses frustration towards those who criticize Atalanta

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Gasperini defends Atalanta against criticism

SPORT SMART WORLD - Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his frustration with the media's criticism of Atalanta, stating that failure to qualify for Europe should not be considered "a total failure."

La Dea will resume their Serie A campaign on Wednesday with an away match against Spezia at 13.30 GMT.

The team ended 2022 in poor form, losing four of their last five games, and suffered a 1-0 defeat at home against AZ Alkmaar in a friendly match last week. Juan Musso sprained his ankle in that game, joining Merih Demiral on the injury list, while Hans Hateboer is only fit for the bench.

"After such a long break, it's like we are starting the season anew," the coach said in his press conference. "Spezia has improved over time and is no longer in danger of relegation, so they will not feel a lot of pressure. As for us, if the season were to end today, we would be in the Europa League. If we only consider the four losses in the last five games, it looks like a disaster, but if you look at the entire campaign, it has been very good. In 2022, we were lacking something in our home games, and that was true in the last friendly as well."

Gasperini then turned his attention to the media surrounding Atalanta and criticized those who claim that his era has come to an end after three consecutive seasons in the Champions League.

"There has been much ado about nothing, in my opinion. I prioritize having a talented team over a large one, as having a big roster can obscure the truth. That is just my personal preference, and others are entitled to their own thoughts.

There are some individuals in Bergamo who are attempting to stir up trouble. There are even some individuals I refuse to give interviews to, as I feel they are a burden on Atalanta.

I do my best to excel. I am concerned because every day there is someone writing that Atalanta being a big club means missing out on Europe is a complete disaster. However, Atalanta can look ahead with optimism and serenity.

I do not recognize this mindset. We are quite close to the top positions, competing with the major clubs, so it is perplexing for me to comprehend this situation generated by the media in Bergamo.

I read some ridiculous things after the Lecce game. We had a lot of absent players that day and faced some defensive challenges. I showed the Serie A table to the players yesterday because, based on what the media writes, you would think it was a catastrophic situation, but it is really not that severe."

Atalanta is tied for sixth place with Jose Mourinho's Roma, only three points behind Inter and Lazio.

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