Duvan Zapata reflected on the different nature of today’s Atalanta and what he’d like to do after hanging up his boots.
The 31-year-old Colombian forward has struggled for consistent playing time this season, missing around six weeks of action due to a hamstring injury. He is slowly returning to full fitness and will be keen to get in on the action in Bergamo as Atalanta fight at the top of the Serie A table. Last campaign, Zapata netted 13 goals in 32 games across all competitions.
Speaking to DAZN, Zapata first discussed the new face of Atalanta and why things have been different on the pitch this season.
“I think all seasons are different anyway. It’s obvious that this Atalanta of today is a different team to the ones we’ve had.
“When you maybe change the pieces, some of my former teammates have left and new ones have arrived and obviously the characteristics are sometimes not quite the same. That affects the way you play and it changes, so I say that as well.
“I have the experience to say that when you arrive here the first months are not easy, you struggle a lot because maybe you are not used to training always at a very high pace, you struggle and maybe if you don’t understand certain concepts of the coach you struggle even more and if you don’t know the language you struggle even more.
“But, beyond that, Lookman is doing well, it’s obvious. Hojlund is also starting to do well, learning the concepts Gasperini is asking for. Maehle is athletically very strong, I also think he still has a lot of room for growth.”
Finally, Zapata commented on what he’d like to do after retiring from his playing career.
“I’m still a bit undecided. I used to struggle to understand what I liked, now that I’m a bit more mature I dream of being a sporting director.
“It’s something I like, or like scouting. I still see my future as a player here in Italy and here at Atalanta I think I can continue to express myself and talk about Duvan Zapata.”
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta currently sit second in the Serie A table after 12 games, being five points behind league leaders Napoli. La Dea have only lost once all season and are fighting for a top four finish, or possibly even the Scudetto if they can maintain their momentum.