(PRIMASPORT) BERGAMO – The’Atalanta is preparing to return to the European stage with the Paphos next opponent in Conference League. On the eve of the match, the coach Maurizio Sarri and the goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi spoke at a press conference to introduce the match, focusing on Atalanta's European ambitions and the team's growth path. The coach emphasized the importance of humility and the need to never underestimate any opponent, while the goalkeeper reiterated his confidence in the team's potential, emphasizing the progress made and the desire to continue improving.
The press conference began with Sarri's reflections on the busy schedule, tactical choices, and the aspects that need to be perfected to best face the European campaign. “When you play every three days there is no time to prepare for the matches – he commented. – My personal opinion is that I'm not crazy about this football, and I think a bit like our fans. This is the schedule, and we have to be as ready as possible. I don't know who will play; it will depend on how they prepare today and tomorrow morning. For us, it's important to keep as many players as possible involved."’. Returning to analyze the last league match against Venezia, Sarri said he saw values expressed in the first half that had not yet emerged, particularly from a physical standpoint. “"In the first half, we had a high center of gravity and short, direct counterattacks; in the second half, a low center of gravity and more complicated counterattacks, and we were also outnumbered. Venezia caused problems for everyone, not just us."” he concluded. The watchword for Mr. Sarri is’humility: “I expect a classic European match, a tough one. We need to acknowledge the changes that have taken place recently. Pafos is a good team, with excellent technique and Portuguese players with excellent ball possession. I think the humility that's emerging in football right now is the essential quality. All teams will make things difficult for you sooner or later over the course of 90 minutes.”. The coach then described the Greek team as top-class, adding that “"If you look at a team's level based on their name or the number of trophies they've won in the past, that's superficial. It shouldn't come as a surprise to us that they're at a high level and that they could cause us problems."”. In practice, the typical Bergamo mentality of keeping your head down and working hard. In any case, Sarri is increasingly seeing signs of improvement in his players: “Personality is developed on and off the pitch. You have to instill confidence. Against Venezia, I saw positive aspects, and the team entered the game well, with a desire to perform. Another positive sign was when we were down to ten men; I saw the team get aggressive. We lost control of the game at a certain point, or rather, we turned it into an open game with one chance each, and I don't like that, especially when we're up by two goals. In the final stages, I preferred to go back to three midfielders for precisely this reason.”. Finally, a comment on De Ketelaere and Carnesecchi individually. Regarding CDK, given that he's played more centrally in recent times for the national team and has thrived, and they're trying out this other formation (the 4-2-3-1), the coach has decided to test him in that position. Regarding the goalkeeper, he concluded: “"The problem is that I can't play him in midfield. He's one of those players I'll never forgive because he has the potential to make a difference, and I expect it."”.
The word then passed to the goalkeeper himself, who first thanked Atalanta for what they did for him when he was younger and when he returned after several loans. Carnesecchi continued by saying that being a help to the team is a motivation for him: “"It gives me confidence, and so I'm happy because it adds to my experience. The club's decision to change is also positive. I'm happy to be a key player in the game."”. During the press conference, it emerged that bookmakers are placing Atalanta among the favorites. “"It's something that should make us feel like a strong team in Europe, especially because the level in the Conference has risen significantly in recent years. The only obstacle right now is ourselves. We need to be bold, proactive, and go hard."” He emphasized. And regarding how far the team can go, the goalkeeper felt it was right not to set limits, which could only slow down their pace and potential. “"The club has done a great job on the transfer market and on choosing a coach. Right now, you see a slightly different, more compact Atalanta. Knowing how to defend deep is important, a skill we've always lacked, and it's something that will bring us results."’ He added. Finally, and especially with a view to improving himself, Carnesecchi said he still can't master the aerial game, which he's working on. “"It's better than last year, and I want to improve even more because it would benefit me. I'm also someone who never stops and who aspires to be the best. At the same time, my feet have improved a lot."” he concluded. (PRIMASPORT)