As FC Barcelona get set to tackle Atalanta BC within the UEFA Champions League 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 gained the UEFA Europa League final season, can be dealing with the Blaugrana for the primary time of their historical past.
Gasperini said 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 most effective.
“Of the massive groups in Europe we had by no means performed them earlier than and I’ve all the time thought of them the most effective staff,” the Atalanta coach mentioned.
“Going through such an enormous staff will permit us to see how aggressive we’re and to see if our means of enjoying can harm them,” he added.
The Italian supervisor asserted that solely a win or a draw can be acceptable for him tomorrow, earlier than reiterating that it will likely be a privilege for Atalanta to face Barcelona.
“Nevertheless, an important factor is to compete towards such a prestigious staff like Barcelona. For us, it’s a nice achievement to be right here,” he famous.
Gasperini is trying ahead to dealing with Barcelona. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)
When requested about Barcelona’s star gamers, Gasperini prevented mentioning any particular person by title, however as a substitute praised the work being completed by supervisor Hansi Flick, saying:
“It wasn’t simply Messi previously, but in addition the remainder. It was an unimaginable staff. However right this moment’s staff, Flick’s staff, is an excellent staff. He’s constructing it another way. Even when the names change, Barça all the time play effectively and identifies very younger skills.”
“Barça are the epitome of Spanish soccer, there are all the time unimaginable younger skills coming via,” he added.
Giving his two cents concerning the goalkeeping debate at Barcelona and Hansi Flick’s determination to decide on Wojciech Szczesny over Inaki Pena, Gasperini remarked:
“The goalkeeper is all the time a particular function. He’s an awesome goalkeeper. He was at Juventus. The error he might have made [vs Benfica] doesn’t detract from his worth, he is a good athlete, with a unprecedented profession and who works very effectively.”
Supply: Mundo Deportivo