Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini continued hitting out at the growing unsustainability of European football, underlining how it’s ‘not just Inter’ who are the problem.
The Italian tactician, who guided the Bergamo outfit to a historic Europa League title following their final win over Bayer Leverkusen last month, caused a stir on Sunday when speaking in his post-match press conference, calling out clubs with ‘one billion in debts’, aiming the dig at the Nerazzurri.
Gasperini was heavily linked with a move to Napoli this summer, but he ultimately decided to move forward with Atalanta. He is expected to sign a new contract with la Dea in the coming weeks as his project at the club enters it’s ninth season in Bergamo.
Gasperini attacks unsustainability
Speaking to Radio Anch’io Lo Sport via Calciomercato.com, Gasperini highlighted how Inter aren’t the only club with debt problems in Europe.
“It’s not just Inter. Throughout Europe, in England or Spain, perhaps not in Germany because Bayern have always been very attentive, the teams that win have conditions behind them that they can then afford because they have such a wide range of possibilities to recover certain debts that Atalanta absolutely cannot think about.”
He gave his thoughts on the growing unsustainability in European football.
“This is the unsustainability of football in Europe, which has brought a lot of problems, which has led to trying to create the Super League and now an even different Champions League, always with the idea of making much more money.
“It’s never enough because these teams that win end up losing. Atalanta’s example is unique because we won in healthy economic conditions.”
Gasperini weighed in on the European Super League debate.
“This is the reality of the facts. Of course, hundreds of millions of differences in being able to set up contracts and buy new players cuts out all the other teams.
“We cause such a stir because these are things that happen once in a while, like Leicester in the Premier League. However, they are unlikely to be repeatable.”
He commented on how things are different now compared to the past.
“It’s much more difficult today than for Verona in 1985 to be competitive for the Scudetto. There is a 25-point difference between us and Inter. Just being in the Champions League is a huge achievement, then it’s right that people can dream of doing something more and no one will hold back.”
Finally, Gasperini discussed Atalanta’s next steps.
“The objective is to make the team stronger and more complete, but this doesn’t mean having to win the Europa League again.”