Barcelona records Atalanta in their last competition phase in the Champions League, knowing that a victory would guarantee a top 2 in the rankings. However, obtaining those three points will not be easy for the Catalans, because their opposition at the Estadi Olimpic has shown in recent years that they are full of European pedigree.
The man to thank that is Gian Piero Gasperini, who has been Atalanta head coach since 2016. The 67-year-old is looking forward to being confronted against Barcelona on Wednesday, because he considered the club incredibly high, as he told the media in him pre-match press conference (via MD).
“We lacked one of the big ones in Europe and I have always considered them the best team. With such a large team we can see how competitive we are and see if our way of playing can harm them. Barcelona is the best of the expression of Spanish football.
“It was not only Messi in the past, it was also the rest. It was an incredible team. But today's team, Flick's, is a very good team. He builds it in a different way. Even if the names change, Barcelona always plays well and you identify very young talents. They are the ultimate expression of Spanish teams, incredible and very young talents always come true. “
In recent days, Hansi Flick has solved the goalkeeper debate in Barcelona and Gaskerini was also asked – specifically he spoke about Wojciech Szczesny, with whom he is known from the time of the post in Italy with Juventus and as Roma.
“The goalkeeper is always a special role. (Szczesny) A great keeper. He was in Juventus. He ran over a player (Balde), but the mistake he could have made does not detract from his value. He is a great athlete, with an extraordinary career and is someone who works very well. “
Comments