Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the press after losing 2-3 to Real Madrid in Bergamo. He said he was happy “99%” because, although his side put in an outstanding performance, they were no match for a ‘Merengues’ side who are capable of taking all three points “with half a mistake” from their opponents.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini declared after the defeat to Real Madrid that he is very satisfied with the performance of his players, “99% happy”, although with the resignation of knowing that “Real Madrid kill you with half a mistake.”
“We’ve come close to Madrid in numbers, on occasions, but they kill you with half a mistake, they condemn you. We give credit to our opponents and, in this sense, we can do more. We are proud of the team. It has grown beyond measure. If any of them had played for Madrid, it wouldn’t have been noticeable”, he said.
Atalanta had the last chance to equalise when Retegui’s shot went over the crossbar: “Losing like that hurts us a little more and gives us the impetus to grow more. We need something more. I’m 99% happy because the result counts. The players played a game that was beautiful to watch,” he added.
“After a difficult start, we did well to bounce back. We cut off Madrid’s initiative. We lacked a bit of pace in the first half. We were in good shape, we missed the chance to do more damage. You learn from these games,” he added. The fans welcomed him to the stadium with a spectacular banner honouring his Europa League conquest in the summer.
“I was talking to Ancelotti and it took me a while to realise. A spectacular tifo. It was beautiful. I can only say thank you and look at the photos afterwards to enjoy it,” he said. And he finished by talking about the future: “I still have a lot to do here; then I will evaluate what I have achieved or not. I am very happy with all the possibilities I have been given here. I have been able to fulfil dreams with the investment of the property and tonight is the highest moment because to play like this with Real Madrid is incredible.”