Rafa Benitez opened up about the Europa League quarter-final tie between Liverpool and Atalanta, feeling the Italian side ‘have the experience to manage the pressure’.
La Dea have already shown their capabilities at Anfield once before, beating the Reds 2-0 in their Champions League group stage meeting back in the 2020-21 season. They suffered a painful loss in Bergamo, however, giving them important lessons to learn.
Whilst Atalanta have fallen by the wayside in the fight for a top four finish in Serie A, Liverpool are still in the thick of the title race with Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Rafa Benitez on Liverpool and Atalanta
Speaking to Sky Sports, Rafa Benitez first looked ahead to the clash between Liverpool and Atalanta.
“I think it’ll be a match full of intensity. I’ve seen a couple of matches and Atalanta get into trouble a bit when the other team press with intensity. I think it’ll be more or less like this. However, Liverpool could leave some space.”
The former Reds coach commented on la Dea’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals.
“It’s highly difficult, but they can do it. Atalanta play very well, they have the chance to hurt them with counterattacks, even if Liverpool are very strong. We need to see who plays, but they have the motivation to win the match and go all the way in the Europa League.”
Rafa Benitez spoke highly about Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
“He is an intelligent coach who knows what he is doing. When a team and a club have clear ideas, it is easier for a coach to work well. Intelligent club, they immediately placed their trust in the coach.
“Gasperini has an advantage, having worked with the same players for several years. He is a man who knows football and players, he is able to express his best.”
He touched on the qualities of Liverpool and the Anfield atmosphere.
“Klopp will try to use the pressure of Anfield to be aggressive. Liverpool could be distracted, given that the Premier League is being fought for.
“The anthem is played at the moment of the opposing team’s entrance to create fear. I believe that Atalanta have the experience to manage the pressure, but it will be difficult.”
Finally, Rafa Benitez confirmed which club he’d be supporting.
“I have to support Liverpool. However, I like Atalanta, they’re a club that have been doing well for many years. They’re not a club that arrive and lose their head, but they know what to do. Return to Italy? Who knows…”