It will be Atalanta-Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League knockout round playoffs. Here is how President Antonio Percassi commented on the draw that took place in Nyon.
President Percassi, the UEFA Europa League draw took place today, Atalanta will take on Olympiacos.
“They’re a tough team to face, they’re an expert side. I’ve heard they’ve never been relegated. They’re top of the league. We’ll have to take on a strong and well-equipped team. They’re especially good at home in front of their fans, who are not inferior to ours. It’ll be a good fight.”
Is there a bit of regret for not continuing in the Champions League?
“We are sorry to have been knocked out of the Champions League, especially for how things went, as we could have won that match. But it belongs to the past. We have to look forward and now we should aim to make a good impression, having increasingly important fixtures in Europa League.”
The Europa League is an important competition and the level of the teams playing there testifies to this. It’s not going to be easy, as someone would believe. The team will have to do their best, as always.
“Absolutely. It’s a difficult, tough tournament where teams of a great experience and level play. It’s not the Second Division of the Champions League. It’s a strong competition, which will allow us to gain even more experience and improve even more. This is the main goal. Hopefully, we can make a good impression. I’m sure the whole staff and the players will do their best to make people talk more and more about Atalanta and the city of Bergamo.”
President, the team didn’t suffer the consequences of Thursday’s match, as on Sunday against Hellas Verona, a great team, they managed to prevail and to win 2-1.
“This is the result of the experience and the growth we have earned, as the Champions League has taught us a lot. Yesterday’s attitude was fantastic. We played an important and experienced team, on a difficult pitch against a tough side. It couldn’t go better than this. The lads were great. After a difficult start, they managed to come back from behind and win a very important game.”
There are two games left before the holiday season: Roma and Genoa away. What are you hoping for?
“Let’s pray. Hopefully, we can do well. Hopefully, we can get a positive result in the two matches left. That would round off an extraordinary and fantastic year. This is thanks to the coach, the staff, the players and all those working for Atalanta. We couldn’t do better than this.”
Your piece de resistance is ‘hopefully, we can avoid relegation.’ It’s literally around the corner.
“Absolutely. The important thing is to reach 40 points and the first goal is achieved. Then, whatever happens, all the better.”