Gian Piero Gasperini admits Atalanta “didn’t score one goal out of 30” chances against FC Copenhagen, but warned he now has too many players.
The Orobici pushed past Sarajevo and Hapoel Haifa with ease, but despite dominating the first leg and having numerous chances in the second, they eventually lost the Europa League play-off to FC Copenhagen on penalties.
Gian Piero Gasperini admits Atalanta “didn’t score one goal out of 30” chances against FC Copenhagen, but warned he now has too many players.
The Orobici pushed past Sarajevo and Hapoel Haifa with ease, but despite dominating the first leg and having numerous chances in the second, they eventually lost the Europa League play-off to FC Copenhagen on penalties.
“Knockout rounds are like this, they are different to in a league or group situation where you always have time to make up for errors,” said the visibly irritated Coach in his Press conference.
“In these games what counts is a cool head, sharp mind and determination to score. We didn’t manage to score one goal out of 30 promising situations.
“It’s natural to be disappointed at the end of the match. It wasn’t easy to play six games in July and August with that heat and playing the home fixtures in Reggio-Emilia. Then Serie A started too and the lads did so well. There is disappointment, but no regrets.
“I think this team tried everything it possibly could to score over the two legs and defended well in the few occasions when Copenhagen were dangerous going forward. Our only mistake was not converting any of those many chances.”
However, when Gasperini was asked if this was the worst period of his Atalanta career, he hit back.
“Maybe you don’t remember the first five games, when it seemed like a disaster. Let’s not go overboard here, as Atalanta have made some leaps forward in recent years.
“It’s a constant battle with the media, because you tell me this is the strongest Atalanta squad in history, but you can only play 11 at a time. I cannot field 26 and I struggle to even train them.
“There are many strong sides in Serie A and I think we have a good team. What do you want me to tell you? That we’re going for a Champions League spot? You give me the objectives.
“If the squad being strong means complaints if one plays and another doesn’t, then it becomes a problem. It’s the perfect way to create divisions within the group.
“I am not accustomed to training 26 players, but I do what I can. We’ll try to do our best in every match, but I know full well that’s what the atmosphere will be like this season, being asked why one is playing and not another, or question marks over the system, but I won’t play that game.
“I play with 11 players, 14 including substitutes. I can’t have training sessions of 14 against 14. I’ll just have to try to get used to it as best I can, but I bet you this little game of pitting players against each other in the media will carry on all season.”