Quote from: tygeade on Today at 04:49:53 AM

Quote from: Blitzboy on September 05, 2024, 05:44:03 PM

Atalanta's not a typical Serie A powerhouse. They lack the vast pockets and rich histories. That doesnt mean they're not powerful. They've been steadily building something special in Bergamo, and their performances in recent European competitions speak for themselves.

Last season's Europa League: they demolished Liverpool, destroyed Leverkusen. People, that wasnt luck. In their lively and effective approach, Atalanta takes the game to anyone.

Now, the Champions League is different. Competition is stiff in the big leagues. I wouldnt rule out Atalanta. The manager Gasperini can outwit the greatest, and they have his tactical expertise. This team is hungry for success. They want to leave a mark, not just be there.

Gasperini knows what he is doing, which is fine and he is a great manager but I am sure that there is absolutely no way that he will take this team to anywhere good in the UCL, it is just not possible when you look at financial point of view.

The greatest achievement they could ever hope for would be last sixteen, which I do not think that they have what it takes to do but even in that case I am sure that they will end up losing, unless they get a very very lucky draw. They did the best they could hope for, win the Europa league, they are at that level and being the best of the level you are in is the reward in itself, plus they made so much money by just being in the UCL and playing games here, so that's a good thing for the future as well.

I agree considering Atalanta's opponents in the league phase are not entirely easy, especially from the 8 matches later they have to face 3 strong teams such as Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. Honestly if they have a good mentality, they should be able to stop any opponent no matter how strong but unfortunately for now that is not available.

The rest they can only hope for hard work and luck and if that happens then it is not impossible that they can become a surprising team. The round of 16 is an obligation for any team and I think if they can repeat the success like in the Europa League last season then it could be an extraordinary repetition in a different competition and it must be admitted here that Gesperini is a good coach with the depth he has can conjure it well.

Anyway, Atalanta must minimize defeats if they intend to survive and also because the intensity of their training must be increased from now on.