Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini responded to accusations that he’s a dictator in the dugout and revealed that he was close to working for Juventus and the Italy national team in the past.
The 65-year-old Italian coach recently entered his seventh year in charge of la Dea, his seminal role in his career. He has transformed the Bergamo outfit and taken them to cup finals and the Champions League, earning praise for his player development and exciting tactical system.
Atalanta currently sit fifth in the Serie A table after 12 games, picking up 20 points from six wins and two draws. They are fighting to return to the Champions League after missing out last season.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Serie A via Gianluca Di Marzio, Gasperini first discussed his long history with Atalanta.
“My history with Atalanta is wonderful and I hope it lasts longer for a long time, I hoped it would last this long, considering the great results.
“They are among the longest-lived in Italy, helped by having found a truly consolidated environment. They age, but not the spirit. 500 points are a lot in a club that in 116 years, it was rare to exceed 50 points.”
The 65-year-old was asked about the Italy national team and if he was close to becoming head coach.
“Lippi contacted me, then Ventura took it. Today, coaching national teams becomes quite difficult, I’m more of a club coach.”
He was also asked about links to Juventus in the past.
“It happened when I coached Genoa, then after that there was no direct contact. I’ve always been under contract, then I feel good in Bergamo.”
Finally, Gasperini responded to suggestions that he was a dictator in the dugout.
“Enough media stuff, telling things in an inaccurate way. Communication is very lacking, now everything from social media to TV is noise and has little substance. I don’t want serious things, but intellectual honesty.”