Edy Reja says he ‘couldn’t say no’ to Atalanta, and insists they’re better than their position would suggest.
The former Lazio Coach has taken over the Orobici after Stefano Colantuono was dismissed yesterday morning.
“To be considered by Atalanta is an honour,” Reja said in the Press conference to introduce him as the new Coach.
“I accepted this task with great enthusiasm, when Atalanta called me, I couldn’t say no.
Edy Reja says he ‘couldn’t say no’ to Atalanta, and insists they’re better than their position would suggest.
The former Lazio Coach has taken over the Orobici after Stefano Colantuono was dismissed yesterday morning.
“To be considered by Atalanta is an honour,” Reja said in the Press conference to introduce him as the new Coach.
“I accepted this task with great enthusiasm, when Atalanta called me, I couldn’t say no.
“I’ve never spoken to anyone else, the first was the President [Antonio Percassi] on Tuesday night.
“We reached an agreement in a short space of time. There is a passionate support, the Atalanta fans have always been close to the team, and so I ask that in times of difficulty the fans get behind us.
“The players are motivated, even if it’s only for two days that I’ve been here. It’s not easy to get everything in harmony right away, but we must start now.
“The squad consists of great professionals, and it’s up to me to take them away from the bottom of the League.
“The table is a liar, they’ve always competed, in every match. They’ve never surrendered the initiative to an opponent.
“They’ve often been leading in games, then suffered unfortunate individual moments. But I’ve seen important qualities which do not befit this position, considering the League outside of Juventus, Roma and Napoli.
“The others are on the same level, so we can do better.”
Reja’s new side face Parma at the weekend, but the Coach insists he isn’t hoping for a call-off.
“I feel very sorry for them, especially the players. We’re not going to sit around hoping the match is postponed. We’re preparing for the game in the best possible way.
“There’s always been a high level of quality at the Emilian club, and if you look at their squad and some of the individuals they have it’s not one that befits that position in the table.
“We have to be very alert.”