Shakhtar had more opportunities
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
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Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini reflects on advancing to the UCL knockout phase
- I’m really happy for the team. I’m delighted by the result we managed to achieve. We knew that we had to be careful with Shakhtar because this team has very fast players who can quickly develop an attack. At the same time, our play involves pressing in the second half. We know that they are really dangerous late in the games. And so it happened: we managed to step it up and deservedly won.
- Atalanta has become the first club in history who after three opening rounds had zero points but still managed to reach the Round of 16. Did you believe in the team all the way?
- Yes, of course, we always believed. Our home tie with Manchester City was particularly helpful. And when Shakhtar finished the match in Zagreb 3-3, for us it was a certain sign too - it made us understand that we could make it further.
- Zapata and Ilicic haven’t played today. Please evaluate the victory given the absence of two leading players.
- I want to add that we didn’t have Toloi as well. We practice team play. Of course, the footballers’ individual qualities are important to us, but at the same time, everyone understands their functions while taking the field, and they strictly fulfil the set tasks. For this, I can only thank the guys.
- We were surprised by Ibanez coming on and by the fact that Kjaer didn’t fly with the team.
- As for Kjaer, it was definitely my choice: I considered that the footballer wasn’t ready for today's match. He has difficulty understanding the team play, not yet fully fitting into our mechanisms, so I preferred to field Masiello. Ibanez is a young footballer who can improve his skills only by taking the field. I’m glad he showed his best side. I am pleased with the way he played.
- Who would you like to see as your opponents in the Round of 16? Perhaps it will be Valencia or Barcelona?
- I know that we have six potential opponents from among the winners of the groups. I would like it to be a club from a very beautiful city so that our fans would enjoy visiting it. In general, it doesn’t matter.
- Yesterday, at the pre-match press conference you confidently gave the advantage to Shakhtar while answering the question about the potential winners. Did you really think so or was it a tactical move to lull the opponents into a false sense of security?
- Yesterday I spoke about the mathematical chances of advancing further. I think I said it right because Shakhtar would be happy with a victory and a draw. I’ve got the same opinion. Shakhtar had more opportunities to advance to the next stage, which makes our victory even more enjoyable.
- Will there be any new signings in January?
- January is far too distant. I don’t want to think about that now. It’s time to celebrate. The players will have a little bit of time to celebrate this victory, as on Sunday we are facing another tough opponent. I hope this result will give the team more strength, including in Serie A, where we can deliver even better results.
- Atalanta has become the first club in history who after three opening rounds had zero points but still managed to reach the Round of 16. Did you believe in the team all the way?
- Yes, of course, we always believed. Our home tie with Manchester City was particularly helpful. And when Shakhtar finished the match in Zagreb 3-3, for us it was a certain sign too - it made us understand that we could make it further.
- Zapata and Ilicic haven’t played today. Please evaluate the victory given the absence of two leading players.
- I want to add that we didn’t have Toloi as well. We practice team play. Of course, the footballers’ individual qualities are important to us, but at the same time, everyone understands their functions while taking the field, and they strictly fulfil the set tasks. For this, I can only thank the guys.
- We were surprised by Ibanez coming on and by the fact that Kjaer didn’t fly with the team.
- As for Kjaer, it was definitely my choice: I considered that the footballer wasn’t ready for today's match. He has difficulty understanding the team play, not yet fully fitting into our mechanisms, so I preferred to field Masiello. Ibanez is a young footballer who can improve his skills only by taking the field. I’m glad he showed his best side. I am pleased with the way he played.
- Who would you like to see as your opponents in the Round of 16? Perhaps it will be Valencia or Barcelona?
- I know that we have six potential opponents from among the winners of the groups. I would like it to be a club from a very beautiful city so that our fans would enjoy visiting it. In general, it doesn’t matter.
- Yesterday, at the pre-match press conference you confidently gave the advantage to Shakhtar while answering the question about the potential winners. Did you really think so or was it a tactical move to lull the opponents into a false sense of security?
- Yesterday I spoke about the mathematical chances of advancing further. I think I said it right because Shakhtar would be happy with a victory and a draw. I’ve got the same opinion. Shakhtar had more opportunities to advance to the next stage, which makes our victory even more enjoyable.
- Will there be any new signings in January?
- January is far too distant. I don’t want to think about that now. It’s time to celebrate. The players will have a little bit of time to celebrate this victory, as on Sunday we are facing another tough opponent. I hope this result will give the team more strength, including in Serie A, where we can deliver even better results.