As on Wednesday night time at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, the Italian outfit’s supervisor, Gian Piero Gasperini was stuffed with reward for the Catalans and the best way they play.
Atalanta, who received the UEFA Europa League final season, might be dealing with the Blaugrana for the primary time of their historical past.
Gasperini acknowledged that he believes that the match would be the true take a look at of his staff’s stage as he considers Barcelona as the very best.
“Of the massive groups in Europe we had by no means performed them earlier than and I’ve at all times thought of them the very best staff,” the Atalanta coach mentioned.
“Dealing with such an enormous staff will enable us to see how aggressive we’re and to see if our approach of taking part in can harm them,” he added.
The Italian supervisor asserted that solely a win or a draw could be acceptable for him tomorrow, earlier than reiterating that will probably be a privilege for Atalanta to face Barcelona.
“Nonetheless, a very powerful factor is to compete towards such a prestigious staff like Barcelona. For us, it’s a nice achievement to be right here,” he famous.
When requested about Barcelona’s star gamers, Gasperini prevented mentioning any particular person by identify, however as an alternative praised the work being finished by supervisor Hansi Flick, saying:
“It wasn’t simply Messi up to now, but additionally the remainder. It was an unimaginable staff. However at the moment’s staff, Flick’s staff, is an excellent staff. He’s constructing it another way. Even when the names change, Barça at all times play effectively and identifies very younger skills.”
“Barça are the epitome of Spanish soccer, there are at all times unimaginable younger skills coming by way of,” he added.
Giving his two cents in regards to the goalkeeping debate at Barcelona and Hansi Flick’s resolution to decide on Wojciech Szczesny over Inaki Pena, Gasperini remarked:
“The goalkeeper is at all times a particular position. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He was at Juventus. The error he could have made [vs Benfica] doesn’t detract from his worth, he is a superb athlete, with a rare profession and who works very effectively.”
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