He could not miss the first day of the new season of his Atalanta: President Antonio Percassi greeted coach Gian Piero Gasperini and the players present at the Bortolotti Training Centre for the first day of official activity.
It was an opportunity to collect his impressions about the Nerazzurri competing at Euro2020 and the Copa América, about Italy’s victory in the European Championships, about Atalanta’s season…
It’s the 2021-2022 season, a new challenge has begun.
“The restart is always like going to school: everyone is happy, hugging, greeting and asking each other how the holidays went. But then the real effort to better prepare for the championship begins”.
Are you prouder or more satisfied with seeing so many Atalanta players do so well with their respective national teams? And hearing Atalanta being mentioned so frequently in the commentary?
“It’s a huge pleasure for those who work or are part of the Atalanta world. That’s the best we could achieve both in football terms and opinions as well. In every reference to a particularly good move or goal, they always mention Atalanta. This is a huge satisfaction for us”.
Did you expect your players to do so well with their respective national teams?
“Not at this level, honestly. We had extremely important players. They proved themselves not only in Italian and European football but also Internationally. They also benefit from giving their best when they play for their national teams”.
Two European champions, two Copa América winners and two players that finished third in the Copa América. This is also a record for Atalanta.
“Yes, we keep setting records. This year we have set many, hopefully, we can continue like this because these are important signs from the players we chose. Our observers did well to bring them to Atalanta. They came as little-known players and then became important footballers. Credits must be given to the coach, the staff and all in general”.
Did you hope that Italy could win the European Championships?
“As I had seen it during preparations and before the group stage matches, Italy always showcased some interesting football. This kind of style was associated with Atalanta’s. If [Roberto] Mancini copied us then all the better. He’s an extraordinary person and player and above all a great coach”.
This is your 11th season at Atalanta, the second spell, and your 10th consecutive in Serie A. Another goal accomplished.
“I had promised it, although it seemed a utopia. It was a goal we wanted to achieve together with my family. This result would have been the best thing in the Atalanta history. We did it and perhaps we even improved our table finish”.
So, what is the next goal to achieve?
“I always say that the first target is to remain in the top flight. I’m not just saying: Atalanta need to start from there. Any extra is fantastic, earned and unexpected. The fans also have to keep that in mind, as it’s not easy for a club from the province to obtain and maintain this level after some important seasons”.
President, Čeferin said that international football needs Atalanta…
“Everybody needs Atalanta’s football, so credit must be given to our coach and his staff that did an excellent job”.
What do you expect from this season? We say safety, you say?
“A good league campaign, making our fans happy”.
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