As the Champions League group stage reaches its climax, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media ahead of their crucial match against Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Wednesday.
The Italian tactician began by discussing the injury to key player Ademola Lookman, stating, “It’s more or less what we expected. This problem has been ongoing for a couple of games. On Sunday in Como, it seemed to be better, but then tests were done, and the situation is as you know.”
When questioned about potential transfer market moves to replace Lookman, Gasperini deflected, saying, “I’m not aware of this. Ask the club for better clarification.”
Gasperini then turned his attention to the match venue, expressing his admiration for the stadium while lamenting missed opportunities to play at iconic grounds. “This stadium is also beautiful. The Camp Nou will still be exceptional. In recent years, we’ve been unlucky; when we played in Madrid, the Bernabeu was under reconstruction, and now the same here. So we hope to return,” he said with a laugh.
On Barcelona’s weaknesses, the coach diplomatically stated, “All teams have weak points, but they are always beautiful to watch. Flick has done an extraordinary job.”
Gasperini highlighted the difference in his team’s performances between domestic and European competitions. “Atalanta has always performed better than their opponents in the league. In the Champions League, we have maximum concentration, to which we dedicate more adrenaline.”
When asked about Barcelona’s leader, Gasperini praised the club’s identity and talent development. “Messi’s team was extraordinary, this one under Flick is developing well. The beautiful thing about them is that they always have a strong identity, capable of identifying great talents as future champions, which is not a given.”
Addressing transfer market expectations, Gasperini emphasized the club’s autonomy in decision-making. “Atalanta doesn’t need to give me gifts from the market, but to itself. I believe that trying to improve the team is more important than anything because that’s what allows you to achieve goals. Atalanta doesn’t need to turn to me; it knows well what’s best for the present and future.”
Defender Berat Djimsiti also spoke at the conference, addressing the team’s defensive improvements in European competition. “Why do we defend better in the Champions League? The whole team must know how to defend, all 11 players,” he explained.
