Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash with Real Madrid, dismissing concerns over player absences due to injuries and transfers. The two sides meet on Wednesday evening in Warsaw, and ahead of the game, Gasperini touched on a number of issues impacting his team, not least the ongoing transfer saga involving Teun Koopmeiners:
“For me, it’s crucial that the team plays well without worrying about who is there and who isn’t,” Gasperini stated. He emphasized the significance of the match, saying, “It’s a game that an Italian team hasn’t played in 14 years, and there are no players in the league who have played this match. For us, it’s the best thing that can happen.”
Numerous Absences
“Atalanta has no difficulties; we are here to play a match of incredible prestige with our usual enthusiasm. We are playing against the most titled team in the world, but we will put all our pride on the field to have a great match. I have the advantage of not being able to make a mistake with the lineup, which Ancelotti doesn’t have! Absences due to the market and injuries are things that sometimes happen in football. It’s clear that you’d want to be at your best, and we are aware of the absences. Even when we went to Liverpool or other fields, we found ourselves in a situation with some absences, although not as precarious, but we did well.”
On Retegui and Lookman
“Retegui is ready like everyone else; after all, he comes from Genoa. This is an exciting game for everyone.” Regarding Lookman, Gasperini noted, “He was among the first to train at Zingonia since July 10. Those who started earlier are in better condition, and this applies to Real as well. He is among the players who are in the best shape.”
Facing Real Madrid
“The prediction is even more closed than with Bayer; it’s an even bigger obstacle, but the motivation is also greater. Sometimes predictions are overturned. I hope they play their best lineup.”
On Ancelotti
“What Carlo has done is evident to everyone, with many different teams and in different countries. He is a reference for all coaches worldwide. We did the course at Coverciano together; he was coaching Juve while I was in the youth sector. There is great respect between us, and it’s nice to meet in such a prestigious final. It’s a great achievement for me too.”
On Koopmeiners
In an interview with Sky, Gasperini spoke about Teun Koopmeiners, saying, “Koopmeiners is a victim of a market situation, of market disputes, and has been strongly influenced by a certain dynamic. Koopmeiners is a matter for the club. I see him as a victim. That he’s not here with us, my regret is even greater. I couldn’t convince him, and I’m sorry about that. I knew it was a timed situation.”
