“We Needed A Spark To Shake Things Up, It’s Important To Remain Humble And Get Focused”

It was an almost perfect week for Serie A clubs clubs in Europe’s elite competition as Napoli and and Juventus had already secured their wins on Tuesday and then Atalanta did the same against Eintracht Frankfurt but Inter Milan’s 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid ruined it all.

More Details

La Dea were dominant in Germany, with a 3-0 win away from home thanks to goals from Ademola Lookman, Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere, not to mention hitting the woodwork three times and it was the first win under new coach Raffaele Palladino, who had only made his debut at the weekend in a 3-1 loss to Napoli after replacing Ivan Juric.

LATEST POSTS

The former Fiorentina coach had never overseen a game in this tournament, and only got his debut on the Atalanta bench in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Napoli in Serie A but all the anxiety seemed to wash away. “It couldn’t have gone better, it was a magical night,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“I want to thank the club for having faith in me, my staff, but first and foremost the players, because this is the victory of a great group of lads who deserved this satisfaction. I saw the intensity with which they were working the last few days, and they provided me with an unforgettable night.”

“We needed a spark to shake things up, above all mentally, and now it arrived. It’s important to remain humble and get focused on Sunday’s game, which is going to be crucial.” There had already been signs of a good performance in the second half against Napoli, and they built on that this evening in Frankfurt.

“There are always things to improve, but I see this team listening and following what we propose. We’ve only been together for a week really, because the internationals were away, and I’ve seen great progress. It was a tough match tonight against a quality opponent, as many big clubs have struggled in this stadium.”

“We showed character, there were some difficulties in the first half hitting the woodwork twice, but we kept pushing. I am glad that we attacked and defended as a team, creating many scoring opportunities and could’ve easily had more goals. We needed this victory not just for the Champions League table, but for the confidence of these lads.”

“I tried to bring some enthusiasm, as that is fundamental, but these players have so much quality, they know how to play football. I am not a magician, I just had to give them a little enthusiasm and let them enjoy their football.” He took over from Juric just two weeks ago, during the break for international duty, and revealed how he managed to inspire the squad to break out of their funk.

“I usually don’t reveal what happens in the locker room, but it really meant something because the players did it. I asked for the DNA of Atalanta, and they each gave me an adjective that we should focus on. I heard some great things and we saw many of them this evening on the pitch,” he added.

“There were words like courage, joy, ambition, hunger, I hung the paper up in the locker room and those are all their own definitions of this team. I always say we must have the DNA of the city we represent, and that means humility, hard work and passion. I am sure we’ll do great things together, but we must maintain the mentality I saw this evening.” He further added.

As for Lookman, he also discussed getting back to work with Atalanta after a traumatic summer. “I think it’s important right now to get the victory, as 3-0 away from home is a really good result,” Lookman told Sky Sport Italia in his post match interview.

This also saw the reunion of the trident attack that won the Europa League Final in 2024, with Gianluca Scamacca fully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee. “Obviously, it’s very free and easy playing with Scamacca and De Ketelaere, because they are quality players.”

“We just have to keep on working and improving as a team, we take this performance and hope to carry it on in the league.” The new manager has brought a new approach since taking over, stating clearly that attack is the best form of defence just like we’ve often seen with his former team.

“The Mister has a very clear idea of attacking and entertaining football, which you can see in the goals that we scored. Obviously, the DNA of pressing and hard work is in the team anyway, and we have to keep that going.” He continued in his assessment of the coach.

Paolo Di Canio was in the Sky Sport Italia studio and asked Lookman how he managed to recreate the bond with his Atalanta teammates and fans after a summer where he fought so hard to join Inter and failed to force through the transfer and he was initially alienated from the team.

Read Also: Rasmus Hojlund Impresses Antonio Conte On His Napoli Debut

“You know, what’s happened has happened. A lot’s gone on. Some things people know, others they don’t. Right now is the time to work hard for the team and we need to win games, that’s the most important thing, to get stronger every day. That is what I am concentrated on and so is the team, working together every day to get results.” He replied.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube

Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com

Bookmark (0)

Please login to bookmark