We believe in our strength
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
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Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini answered the questions from reporters before the game vs Shakhtar
- We believe in our strength. After three defeats at the start, we’ve got the opportunity to compete for the knockout-stage berth. It strengthens us, primarily psychologically.
- Atalanta currently have many injured players and it’s difficult to determine the starting line-up. For example, you have only three central defenders, with absolutely no alternative.
- Yes, during the season such things happen, especially since Toloi is also suspended. I would prefer to approach this important match with the optimum squad. Unfortunately, we’ve got no choice. And yet, I believe that the team are growing from match to match. For example, in the absence of Zapata, we only get better. I am optimistic about it.
- We are not going to hide the fact that we hoped to see Malinovskyi at the press conference, but he’s not here. Does this mean that Ruslan will not get into the starting line-up tomorrow?
- I haven’t yet decided on the starting line-up. Of course, we know that Malinovskyi comes from Ukraine, he is a strong footballer, but for the press conference we picked Pasalic who is also a very important player.
- Luis Castro said that the teams’ chances are 50-50. What’s your opinion?
- I think that Shakhtar have more chances for the final success at least based on their standing. In the table, the opponents stand higher than us now. Shakhtar may not take risks tomorrow, they are not obliged to play to win it, unlike us. While we need only three points.
- Atalanta won three games in a row, also showcasing some great football vs Juventus before that. Can we say that the team are currently in better shape than back in early October when you had the first meeting with Shakhtar in Milan?
- Yes, during that period we produced many great performances not only in the Championship but also in the Champions League. If we recall the first meeting with Shakhtar, in my opinion, it was a game of equal opportunities, and the result was not logical. Although I agree that the opponents played well, with the players proving themselves skill wise. And yet, a different outcome of that match would’ve been more optimal. I hope that tomorrow we will manage to achieve a positive result.
- This season, Zapata played offensively, with Ilicic appearing more often after his injury; and tomorrow, we will probably see Muriel. How much is Atalanta’s playing model changing?
- We have experience playing both without Zapata and without Ilicic. Let's recall that Josip was sent off in the match against Cagliari and was suspended for two games. This is no news for us, we are ready for that situation.
- Atalanta currently have many injured players and it’s difficult to determine the starting line-up. For example, you have only three central defenders, with absolutely no alternative.
- Yes, during the season such things happen, especially since Toloi is also suspended. I would prefer to approach this important match with the optimum squad. Unfortunately, we’ve got no choice. And yet, I believe that the team are growing from match to match. For example, in the absence of Zapata, we only get better. I am optimistic about it.
- We are not going to hide the fact that we hoped to see Malinovskyi at the press conference, but he’s not here. Does this mean that Ruslan will not get into the starting line-up tomorrow?
- I haven’t yet decided on the starting line-up. Of course, we know that Malinovskyi comes from Ukraine, he is a strong footballer, but for the press conference we picked Pasalic who is also a very important player.
- Luis Castro said that the teams’ chances are 50-50. What’s your opinion?
- I think that Shakhtar have more chances for the final success at least based on their standing. In the table, the opponents stand higher than us now. Shakhtar may not take risks tomorrow, they are not obliged to play to win it, unlike us. While we need only three points.
- Atalanta won three games in a row, also showcasing some great football vs Juventus before that. Can we say that the team are currently in better shape than back in early October when you had the first meeting with Shakhtar in Milan?
- Yes, during that period we produced many great performances not only in the Championship but also in the Champions League. If we recall the first meeting with Shakhtar, in my opinion, it was a game of equal opportunities, and the result was not logical. Although I agree that the opponents played well, with the players proving themselves skill wise. And yet, a different outcome of that match would’ve been more optimal. I hope that tomorrow we will manage to achieve a positive result.
- This season, Zapata played offensively, with Ilicic appearing more often after his injury; and tomorrow, we will probably see Muriel. How much is Atalanta’s playing model changing?
- We have experience playing both without Zapata and without Ilicic. Let's recall that Josip was sent off in the match against Cagliari and was suspended for two games. This is no news for us, we are ready for that situation.
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