Gian Piero Gasperini confirms Atalanta have adjusted their tactical philosophy after a 1-1 draw with Milan and explains why Ruslan Malinovskyi is not the striker he needs.
La Dea had taken the lead in Bergamo through Malinovskyi, the player who had not been expected to feature because he is at the centre of transfer speculation regarding Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Olympique Marseille.
Instead, he was picked in the starting XI and scored the goal with a trademark left-foot strike from outside the box, cancelled out by Ismael Bennacer for the 1-1 draw.
“A draw is acceptable, it was a balanced game. It wasn’t easy to do better, the lads fought with great determination and I think a point apiece is fair,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“Last season we conceded too many goals on counter-attacks that made us lose a few too many games, so we are trying to avoid that again. I am pleased with the way we are defending this season.”
The coach surprised with his choices, picking Malinovskyi to start when the Ukraine international has been heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Olympique Marseille.
It proved an inspired choice, because Malinovskyi scored the opening goal and was greeted with a standing ovation when substituted.
“This is his kind of match. When he arrived, he was a creative midfielder, but we adapted him into the role of a forward because we lost Josip Ilicic for two-and-a-half-years. I think it’s normal that I as a coach should ask to have strikers in my squad, I’ve been doing it for years. Malinovskyi does well in these games against an open team, but he’ll struggle when the opponent is more defensive.
“We have lost some players this summer, but other equally important ones have arrived like Ederson and Ademola Lookman, who are giving me a great response.
“Brandon Soppy joined too this week and we’ll see in the final days of the transfer market if something else can arrive. The core remains the same, but time ticks on for everyone and we need to bring the average age down.
“We saw what potential Milan could bring off the bench today, while Inter, Juventus and Napoli also reinforced. It’s no coincidence they are all bringing in new strikers.”
wow, even after Ruslan’s performance he still wants the guy out. What happened between the two? Siriously, a player like him can fit pretty much any team